Kenya: Kibaki, Raila Set Power Sharing Terms

The government of Kenya and the Orange Democratic Movement have agreed on a power sharing deal and the possibility of creating the post of prime minister. They, however, differed on whether the holder should be given executive or ceremonial roles.

This emerged as Ghanian President John Kufuor who held separate meetings with President Kibaki and ODM leader Raila Odinga shuttled between the two groups.

The developments came in the background of what was understood to be frank talks between President Kibaki on the one hand and US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Jandeyi Frazer and US ambassador Michael Rannebagger on the other

It was understood that the Americans protested at the decision to name half of the members of the government ahead of Friday's meeting and the mediation effort.

Shortly after the meeting, State House issued a statement in which President Kibaki committed himself to achieve a political solution to "the serious problems facing our nation".

He committed himself to engage in constructive and inclusive dialogue.

"I remain committed to dialogue with all parties in order to achieve a political solution to the serious problems facing our nation," the statement read.