Published by Korir, api africanpress@getmail.no source, kbc.ke
President Mwai Kibaki on Monday invited Prime Minister designate Raila Odinga for a constructive engagement to conclude the formation of the grand coalition Government at the earliest possible moment.
President Kibaki at the same time appealed to Kenyans to be patient and assured them that the Government business was continuing as the formation of the grand coalition was being finalized.
The Head of State in a statement issued at his Harambee House Office reiterated his readiness and willingness to conclude the formation of the coalition cabinet as soon as possible.
He, however, expressed surprise with new pre-conditions and ultimatums set by the coalition partner.
”I was surprised to receive a letter this morning with new preconditions and ultimatums which are clearly not envisaged by the National Accord and Reconciliation Act,” the Head of State said.
President Kibaki said he and Hon Raila Odinga promised Kenyans in a joint statement released Sunday that they would convene to conclude the matter because they were of the view that the remaining few matters relating to the formation of the cabinet would be resolved Monday.
President Kibaki said, “This matter must come to a close without further delay in order for us to move forward and focus on urgent matters facing our people, the priority being settlement of internally displaced Kenyans”.
The President said he accorded formation of a coalition Government a personal attention and highest priority in realization of the importance of the matter to all Kenyans and the anxiety it was causing.
“I realize the importance of the matter to all Kenyans and the anxiety it is causing and it was my personal desire to have this matter concluded today” said the President.
President Kibaki noted that Sunday’s one-on-one meeting between him and Raila Odinga was a culmination of several consultations in accordance with the National Accord and Reconciliation Act, 2008 aimed at healing the Nation.
Earlier on Monday prime minister designate Raila Odinga failed to attend a scheduled meeting with the president and instead sent a delegate of Pentagon members with a letter in which ODM made several demands.
In the letter ODM demanded the dissolution of the current cabinet and a commitment from the president apparently to avoid misinterpretations by civil servants and PNU politicians.
However in a rejoinder head of civil service Francis Muthaura said ODM had no right to make new demands and reiterated that the executive authority of the government vests in the president.
On Monday evening Odinga held a press conference flanked by party members where he accused the government of shifting goal posts.
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African Press International – api
