Power-sharing 'option for Kenya'

2008-02-13 12:34

Nairobi - The final push for peace in Kenya continued at a secret location on Wednesday as top negotiators said the opposition had proposed sharing power with the government for two years then holding new elections.

Progress at the talks had given a sense of hope to many Kenyans, who had seen more than 1 000 people die and some 600 000 flee their homes in the violence that had followed a flawed December 27 election. Much of the violence had pitted ethnic groups linked to particular politicians against each another.

Negotiators had talked to the media nearly every day - and, on at least one occasion, said a deal had been struck when it hadn't.

Trying to get them to focus on the task at hand, former United Nations chief Kofi Annan, who was mediating, declared a news blackout on Tuesday and moved the talks to a secret location outside Nairobi, his office said in a statement.

Govt 'should reform constitution'

Annan "urged the parties not to discuss issues under negotiations with anyone outside the negotiating room," said the statement.

Negotiators' cellphones couldn't be reached on Wednesday - all apparently switched off or out of the coverage area. Before heading into the sequestered talks, both sides offered a glimpse of what was on the table.

The opposition's proposal included "forming a broad-based government that lasts for two years," said William Ruto, an opposition MP. "We are going to agree on how are we going to work together in governance."

Ruto said that during the two years of power sharing, the government should concentrate on reforming the constitution, fixing the electoral commission and coming up with a plan to rebuild parts of the country devastated by violence.

He also suggested a truth and justice commission to look into land disputes that had contributed to the turmoil.

Kibaki 'stole' election

Government negotiator Mutula Kilonzo confirmed that the president's party had received the proposal and would debate it "to see if we can reach an agreement".

He added that the constitution gave the president the power to appoint opposition members to his Cabinet.

However, the head of the government negotiating team said that reports that the opposition proposal was the major approach being discussed was inaccurate.

A two-year transitional government "has not been discussed or agreed upon," Martha Karua said in a statement.

The opposition charged that President Mwai Kibaki stole the election. The government insisted the vote was free and fair, despite heavy criticism from international and domestic observers.

The comments from both sides came as Annan urged Kenyan legislators to enact laws needed to resolve the political turmoil, such as land reform measures.

"You will need to work together to implement this heavy agenda. Your active involvement across party lines is necessary," he said.

- AP