Violence as Kenya talks suspended
 Kibera is still recovering from earlier violence |
Article from BBC World News
April 8, 2008
Violent demonstrations have broken out in Kenya's capital, Nairobi, a day after the opposition suspended talks on forming a power-sharing government.
Opposition supporters in the Kibera slum blocked roads with burning barricades and threw stones at police.
Opposition leader Raila Odinga pulled out of talks with President Mwai Kibaki, accusing him of breaking an agreement over a new cabinet.
February's deal was supposed to end the violence which followed disputed polls. (story continued)
"We have resolved that negotiations... be suspended until [Kibaki's party] fully recognises the 50/50 power-sharing arrangement and the principle of portfolio balance," opposition spokesman Anyang' Nyong'o told a news conference.
Mr Odinga also accuses Mr Kibaki of insisting that full executive power would remain exclusively with Kenya's presidency.
The president expressed surprise at the accusations, as he said the two men had been close to completing their discussions.
Complete deadlock
Some of the crowds in Kibera have been shouting ''no cabinet, no peace, no Raila, no peace''.
The BBC's Adam Mynott in Kibera says the disturbances are a reflection of opposition anger at the inability to find a satisfactory power-sharing deal.
 | KENYA PARLIAMENT ODM MPs: 102 PNU MPs: 46 Pro-ODM MPs: 5 Pro-PNU MPs: 61 Vacant seats: 6  |
Kibera was the scene of much of the trouble which erupted following the election at the end of December.
The proposed power-sharing deal would create the post of prime minister, to be filled by Mr Odinga.
An agreement was meant to be reached on the other posts, allowing a coalition cabinet to be named.
Mr Odinga has written to the president proposing that his ODM yield the key posts of Finance and Internal Security, on the condition that the party fills the cabinet portfolios of Foreign Affairs, Local Government, Transport, Energy and Cabinet Affairs.
Some 1,500 people died and 600,000 were displaced during the violence.
Many thousands have yet to return to their homes.
This is so frustrating. One step forward, two steps back. And to see this after just getting an email from a friend who helps run The Hands and Feet Project in Haiti and hearing about the terrible riots over there approaching their children's orphanage. I will keep the good people of Kenya in my prayers. These people will hurt for years from the damage this instability has caused. They're lives need to begin returning to something normal, starting with coming home. Are our wells and Lwala clinic still in good condition?
God bless you guys:) Keep us informed as to what we can do.
Amie
posted by Amie Hadaway at 3:11 PM on April 9, 2008