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Bron: CNN
14 April 2008
Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki tapped opposition leader Raila Odinga as prime minister, sealing the long-awaited power-sharing deal aimed at settling a dispute over the December elections that led to widespread violence.
Kenyan president Mwai Kibaki, left, and opposition leader Raila Odinga during negotiations last week.
Kibaki also named on Sunday a 40-member coalition.Cabinet and thanked Kenyans for their patience during prolonged talks with Odinga's Orange Democratic Movement to reach an agreement. "I want to assure you all that I will do everything possible to ensure that our country, Kenya, is steered along the path of peace, unity and stability," Kibaki said in a statement.
Odinga's appointment marks the first time Kenya's government has had both a president and prime minister. The new government also includes several new ministries, including portfolios for industrialization, planning, and Nairobi metropolitan development. Kibaki said there also would be a Ministry of Northern Kenya.
"It is the best deal possible under the circumstances," a high-level source familiar with the negotiations told CNN on Saturday. "The deal was reached because of immense international pressure and growing pressure from within Kenya."
Kenya's disputed December 27 election between Kibaki and Odinga sparked weeks of chaos and violence. The incumbent Kibaki narrowly won amid allegations that the vote was rigged.
The United Nations estimates that the violence killed about 1,000 people and drove another 300,000 from their homes.
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