Abiya Ochola
1 May 2008
Nairobi — The relations between President Kibaki and the Prime Minister are cordial, the US envoy says.
US Ambassador to Kenya, Mr Michael Ranneberger, said the President had assured him that he would ensure the coalition Government delivered its pledges.
Ranneberger, who met President Kibaki on Tuesday as part of the US efforts to foster goodwill between the two wings of the coalition, said the US wanted the coalition to be effective.
Speaking after meeting Tourism minister, Mr Najib Balala, at Utalii House on Wednesday, the envoy reiterated his stand that it was not time for opposition politics. "Now is time to talk about results and ensure that reconstruction of the country is given prominence," Ranneberger said.
He went on: "The glass is more than half full and not half empty as many politicians would like other Kenyans to believe. Kenya has emerged from the crisis stronger and with the resolve to become a strong nation."
The envoy said there was little room for cynicism and he would boost efforts to make the political arena progressive.
Last week, Water and Irrigation Assistant Minister, Mr Mwangi Kiunjuri, said the coalition would fail because of ODM sabotage.
Kiunjuri claimed that the coalition would not last three years because ODM's plot was to "incapacitate" Government and blame it on President Kibaki in a 2012 General Election scheme.
ODM and PNU have in recent weeks disagreed over the pecking order in Government between the VP and PM.
This was evident during a tour of the Rift Valley when Raila and the Vice-President, Mr Kalonzo Musyoka, disagreed over who between them would invite the President to address rallies. The PNU has accused the US of 'baby-sitting' Raila and sidelining the President.
Last week, Ranneberger met Raila and a few Cabinet ministers and Government officials at the PM's offices at the Treasury Building.
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