Kenya: Joy as Kibaki, Raila Sign Power Sharing Deal
By Patrick Wachira (The Standard)
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.
