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Joy as Kibaki, Raila sign power
sharing deal
Published on February 29, 2008
EA STANDARD
By Patrick Wachira
Finally, the much-awaited power sharing deal that has been
shrouded in controversy, but which held the only key to a peaceful
and agreeable settlement of the post-election impasse has been
signed.
Both President Kibaki and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM)
leader, Mr Raila Odinga, appended their signatures on the historic
deal that saw the return of the Office of the Prime Minister
scrapped by Jomo Kenyatta in 1964.
News that a deal had been struck touched off a carnival mood in
Orange strongholds, relief in many parts of the country and
general optimism to a battered and anxious population.
The world watched Dr Kofi Annan and his UN-backed Panel of African
Eminent Persons and African Union chairman Jakaya Kikwete as they
brought together the erstwhile rivals in a ceremony beamed live on
TV.
In a nutshell, the deal — which will be entrenched in the
Constitution — created the post of an executive prime minister,
who will supervise ministers and lead Government in Parliament. It
also provides for the sharing of Cabinet positions based on the
strength of parties in the House.
President Kibaki and Mr Raila
Odinga sign an agreement on power sharing, expected to end the
crippling political crisis triggered by the discredited
presidential elections. Looking on are, from left to right, Mr
Amos Wako, President Kikwete, Dr Kofi Annan, Mr Benjamin Mkapa
and Mr James Orengo. |
This memorable covenant that
could usher in a new era of reforms — which successive
regimes have procrastinated over until the near post-poll
meltdown — will assume legal and constitutional force when
Parliament is summoned on Thursday next week.
On Thursday night, Britain and the United States, who have
stridently pushed for “real power-sharing” to break the
crippling impasse arising from a discredited presidential
election, swiftly welcomed the development.
“Kenya’s leaders have reached a power-sharing agreement that
represents a triumph for peace and diplomacy, and a
renunciation of the violence that has scarred a country of
such enormous potential,” British Prime Minister Gordon
Brown said.
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He added: “Common sense has
prevailed, and the Kenyan people have the outcome for which they
have hoped and prayed. I applaud the courage that Kenya’s leaders
have shown in taking the tough decisions necessary to put Kenya
back on the path to prosperity, democracy and stability which it
is so richly deserves”.
However, Brown said the hard work must continue, adding: “Kenyans
need help to resettle and rebuild. Real leadership, patience and
tolerance are necessary to ensure that the agreement sticks”.
Mr Tom Casey, the US State Department spokesman summed the outcome
expected to put the country back on track after a bloodletting
that claimed at least 1,000 lives and left close to half a million
people displaced, thus: “That’s an important and very positive
step forward. We are very pleased to see that this agreement has
been reached”.
He noted that the deal would allow the Kenyan people to move
forward with what he described as “a very basic issue of
governance”. The official added: “We want to see this agreement
implemented... We certainly appreciate the goodwill shown by both
President Kibaki and Mr Odinga in reaching this agreement. We
certainly would hope that everyone associated with their political
parties and movements would work with them to support this deal
and move it forward”.
In his speech soon after signing the accord, President Kibaki gave
a solemn promise to see to it that the deal was honoured to the
letter so that Kenyans could embark on the task of nation building
and reconstruction.
The President was in a jovial mood as he signed off a portion of
his powers to rival Raila in a historic moment at the steps of
Harambee House.
Post of Prime Minister
The new office of the PM will have power and authority to
co-ordinate and supervise the functions of the Government and will
be occupied by an elected MP who will also be the leader of the
party or coalition with majority members in Parliament.
Further, his removal and that of his two deputies will only be
through a vote of no confidence by majority MPs.
The coalition government will also reflect portfolio balance and
party strength in Parliament.
On Thursday, the Office of the President — chosen after Raila and
his team objected to having mediation talks held at State House —
was the venue yet again of this momentous occasion.
Earlier, Annan had engaged Kibaki and Raila for the better part of
five hours as they discussed the making of a new political
dispensation not seen before in the country’s history.
In his speech, Kibaki asked Kenyans to rededicate themselves and
to engage in “productive activities that contribute to the
prosperity and well-being of our nation. We should also be a
caring nation that reaches out to its neighbours and those who are
disadvantaged in our society”.
Raila regretted that for the last two months, Kenyans had known
nothing but sadness. He, however, said that the tragic events that
followed the discredited presidential elections would also serve
as a platform to launch reforms that would make Kenya a better
place to live.
Said he: “I wish to thank millions who turned up on the 27th of
December to vote. Those who voted were exercising their democratic
rights. Kenyans did not know that turmoil would follow but this is
what countries at times go through”.
He added: “Many have been killed, many orphaned, many widowed and
many displaced. We should ensure that Kenyans begin to celebrate
and love each otherÉThe crisis was a test for Kenya and a lesson
for a forum for foundation for a united country”.
In his speech, Annan said he and other mediators would continue
with the talks until other agenda, including land access and
equity, as well as poverty eradication, are concluded.
On his part Kikwete referred to the violence that rocked Kenya as
a historical accident, saying it can be a “thing of the past”.
He said the toil and sweat of the mediation team had been
handsomely rewarded following yesterday’s signing of the power
deal.
“This agreement, if implemented fully, will help the people of
Kenya,” he said.
Kikwete said friends of Kenya were keen to see the agreement
implemented in full, following which they would assist in the task
of reconstruction.
He said the task was not for the two principals but the entire
Kenyan population across social and political divides.
Earlier, Annan had said he would sustain his efforts until the
entire job was completed. He said the AG would work on the
Constitutional amendment to be tabled in Parliament for enactment.
He commended the efforts of the mediators, which made the deal
possible. “Let the process of healing begin now,” he said.
The deal was a result of give and take, he said, and expressed
hope that those involved would not be left with a feeling that
they either gave too much or got too little.
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