According to Reuters, an agreement has been “reached” by all parties on numerous issues in the drafting of a new constitution for Kenya. This comes after the violence and chaos that had plagued Kenya after the disputed elections which resulted in the victory of incumbent Mwai Kibaki.
This agreement comes as an attempt to ending the violence that had taken place. At least 1,000 people have been killed with many more displaced in the chaos and turmoil. However, no further details about the deal were given out. There has been tribal violence that had broken out with one tribe supporting Kibaki and his Pary of National Unity and other tribe supporting Raila Odinga and his Orange Democratic Movement.
While Kibaki won the election, Odinga and the ODM gave the argument that the elections were rigged in Kibaki’s favor. However, Kibaki stood firm and said that he won fairly.
On a side note, the father of Barack Obama emigrated from Kenya. Obama’s family has kept track of the Democratic races. Odinga had made note that he and Obama’s father are part of the same tribe. He added that he and Obama are cousins.
This new deal is a stepping down to possibly an agreement where both parties will share power. As a result, this can also add the post of prime minister. It could be a historical moment if there is a prime minister position created.
Currently, former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan is in the nation mediating and playing a role in this new deal. Recently, John Kufuor attempted to mediate a deal between both sides. But, the talks have failed. Kufuor is the current president of Ghana and the current head of the African Union (AU).
Both the ODM and PNU placed proposals to the power-sharing agreement. But, this is the first step towards negotiations that will be both long and complex. It also comes after US President Bush’s announcement that he would send Condoleezza Rice, the US Secretary of State to assist Kofi Annan.
“There must be an immediate halt to violence, there must be justice for victims of abuse and there must be a full return to democracy,” President Bush had spoken.
Bush is set to visit Africa. Before the trip, he had spoke to BBC about his decision on not sending troops to Darfur. He also spoke that he will tell China’s President that there is more he can do to stop the violence in Darfur.
Kenya is not one of the countries on Bush’s travel schedule.