Kenya Politics

Kenya Power-Sharing Government Announced

Article published on the 2008-04-14 Latest update 2008-04-14 06:58 TU

Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki
(Photo : Reuters)

Kenya's president has announced a new power-sharing cabinet following a deal with the opposition. President Mwai Kibaki named opposition leader Raila Odinga as prime minister following weekend talks. After the announcement, President Kibaki called on Kenyans to put aside their political differences.

 The cabinet line-up had been the point of contention between Kenya's rival political camps.

"Let us build a new Kenya where justice is our shield and defender, and where peace, liberty and plenty will be found throughout our country," said President Mwai Kibaki.

The new 42-member cabinet replaces the 17-member government that Kibaki had hastily assembled after his contested re-election in December.

The US welcomed the long-awaited announcement, as State Department spokesman commended the two parties for "making the courageous decisions necessary to move the nation forward."

Odinga's Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) had accused Kibaki of stealing the election and both parties blamed the other for the ensuing eruption of violence that claimed 1,500 lives nationwide and left hundreds of thousands displaced.

 Former UN chief Kofi Annan brokered the power-sharing agreement amid intense international pressure on the government and opposition to bring an end to the unrest.