Mass arrests of Kenya militiamen
BBC News, UK - 9 hours ago
Some 189 people have been arrested during a week-long crackdown on an armed militia in western Kenya. Local official Abdul Mwasera said they were in custody ...
Six killed in Kenya crackdown The Times
Kenya Military Operation Targets Gang The Associated Press
Kenya: Mt. Elgon Militia Should Be Dealt With Immediately AllAfrica.com
News24 - Reuters South Africa
all 120 news articles »
Canada.com
Commission Formed to Probe Kenya Election Problems
Voice of America - 5 hours ago
By Derek Kilner
Kenya's president has announced the formation of a commission to investigate the country's disputed December elections. ...
SA judge to probe Kenya election BBC News
Kenya: Now Raila Meets Jimmy Kibaki AllAfrica.com
Kenya: Who is Muthaura to Meddle in Country's Political Matters? AllAfrica.com
Reuters - Voice of America
all 74 news articles »
Daily Nation
Kenya: Will Curse of Political Rigidity Hurt Peace Deal?
AllAfrica.com, Washington - 1 hour ago
Kenya has her share of politically rigid individuals, whose leadership greatly damages people both psychologically and physically. ...
Kenya: PNU Legislators Warm Up to Raila AllAfrica.com
Kenya: MPs Begin Debate On Key Bills Today AllAfrica.com
Kenya: MPs Fast Track Bills As Leaflets Cause Stir AllAfrica.com
AllAfrica.com - AllAfrica.com
all 24 news articles »
Daily Nation
Kenya sets $3 bln Safaricom IPO price
Guardian, UK - 5 hours ago
By George Obulutsa and Wangui Kanina
NAIROBI, March 14 (Reuters) - Kenya is to offer 25 percent of mobile phone operator Safaricom at 5 shillings per share, ...
Kenya Safaricom IPO To Launch March 28 CNNMoney.com
UPDATE 1-Kenya sets Safaricom IPO price at 5 shillings Reuters
Kenya shilling firms vs dlr, Safaricom IPO talk helps ReutersReuters - AllAfrica.com
all 29 news articles »
BBC Bulgaria
Kenya leak 'not company's fault'
BBC News, UK - 4 hours ago
A Ugandan mining company implicated in a toxic leak near the Kenyan port city of Mombasa has denied any responsibility for the incident. ...
Kenya: Uganda-Bound Cargo Emits Poison At Port AllAfrica.com
Kenya: Nema Acts to Neutralise Acid AllAfrica.com
Illnesses reported after chemicals dumped United Press InternationalBBC News
all 12 news articles »
Kenya: The Public Watchdog - Reform Agenda Must Be Coalition's ...
AllAfrica.com, Washington - 1 hour ago
The Electoral Commission of Kenya (ECK) is certainly one such institution desperately in need of urgent reforms. The ECK governing law must be redrafted, ...
Worker mobility creates experience gaps in public service: commission Canoe.ca
all 2 news articles »
Kenya: The Paradise Within Our Borders
AllAfrica.com, Washington - 4 hours ago
Dubbed Tembea Kenya, this campaign not only aims at encouraging Kenyans to visit and know their own country as part of leisure activity but should also help ...
New! Get the latest news on Kenya with Google Alerts.
Friday, March 14, 2008
IDPs - IRIN report 3/14/2008
KENYA: Displaced women "still facing threat of sexual violence"
The risk of rape and sexual abuse remains high for thousands of young girls and women displaced by Kenya's post-election crisis in January and February, an assessment by three agencies has found.
Detailing the findings of the rapid assessment of gender-based violence (GBV) suffered in camps, the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the Christian Children's Fund (CCF), said the women had repeatedly expressed fears of sexual violence because of makeshift sleeping arrangements, where men and women were forced to sleep under one tent or out in the open.
Full report http://www.irinnews.org/Report.aspx?ReportId=77199
KENYA: Reconciliation key to returning home, say IDPs
Joseph Mbatia, an internally displaced person (IDP) in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, would like to return home to Mathare, one of the city's larger slums, but only if reconciliation is part of the deal.
"It is well and good to see our leaders at the national level shake hands and agree to work together but the situation on the ground has not changed; I cannot go back home because no one has addressed the reasons for my displacement," Mbatia told IRIN on 12 March at the Mathare police post depot which he, and 648 other IDPs, have called home since 29 December when post-election violence erupted in parts of the country.
Full report http://www.irinnews.org/Report.aspx?ReportId=77241
The risk of rape and sexual abuse remains high for thousands of young girls and women displaced by Kenya's post-election crisis in January and February, an assessment by three agencies has found.
Detailing the findings of the rapid assessment of gender-based violence (GBV) suffered in camps, the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the Christian Children's Fund (CCF), said the women had repeatedly expressed fears of sexual violence because of makeshift sleeping arrangements, where men and women were forced to sleep under one tent or out in the open.
Full report http://www.irinnews.org/Report.aspx?ReportId=77199
KENYA: Reconciliation key to returning home, say IDPs
Joseph Mbatia, an internally displaced person (IDP) in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, would like to return home to Mathare, one of the city's larger slums, but only if reconciliation is part of the deal.
"It is well and good to see our leaders at the national level shake hands and agree to work together but the situation on the ground has not changed; I cannot go back home because no one has addressed the reasons for my displacement," Mbatia told IRIN on 12 March at the Mathare police post depot which he, and 648 other IDPs, have called home since 29 December when post-election violence erupted in parts of the country.
Full report http://www.irinnews.org/Report.aspx?ReportId=77241
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Mt Toby Friends - Kenya Benefit Dinner flyer 3/29/2008
Please join us for a
~ Kenyan Dinner ~
~ Kenyan Dinner ~
with presentation by
Sukie Rice
Coordinator
Kakamega AIDS Orphan & Project Center
Saturday, March 29
6:00 p.m.
Quaker Meetinghouse
We are located at 194 Long Plain Road (Route 63) in Leverett.
Mailing address: 194 Long Plain Road, Leverett MA 01054
*
Mailing address: 194 Long Plain Road, Leverett MA 01054
*
This dinner will be a benefit for
AFSC’s Crisis Fund for Kenya.
AFSC’s Crisis Fund for Kenya.
You are asked to contribute as you feel led.
Expenses will be paid by
Mt. Toby’s Peace & Social Concerns Committee,
so 100% of contributions will go to AFSC.
so 100% of contributions will go to AFSC.
*
If you would like to attend, please make a reservation no
later than Sunday, March 23rd.
later than Sunday, March 23rd.
You may make a reservation
by using the sign-up sheet at the meetinghouse,
or by emailing: susan - at - alongtheriver.com.
If you would like to help cook,
contact Peggy Anderson: 413-467-7879
Mt. Toby Friends - Quaker Salad Day - Sat 3/29/2008
Quaker Salad Day
Saturday March 29, 2008
Leverett, MA
Friends are welcome to bring brown-bag lunches to Mount Toby for an informal lunch before the sessions begin. The 11:40 Hour Committee will provide coffee, hot water, and perhaps some munchies or cookies.
12:30-2:00: Quakers and GIs (GI Hotline Group):
Most of us Quakers do not have close friends or family in the military, so the world of GI’s and their families is unfamiliar to us and somewhat far away. Jim Lyons, Dave Scott, & Frank Gatti will reflect on the experiences of GI’s now & 40 years ago, in light of their own experiences during the Vietnam War. Then Dave, Frank, & Geoff will share stories of GI’s we’ve worked with on the GI Hotline. There’ll be time at the end for your questions & reflections.
1:00-2:00: Haudenosaunee Gifts (Don Campbell):
1:00-2:00: Haudenosaunee Gifts (Don Campbell):
Friends have had a long relationship with the Haudenosaunee (the People of the Long House), also known as the Iroquois. There is much to learn from these people and their story. A foundation of their way of life is Good Mind. Gender, government, memory, integrity, and respect are all present in compelling ways. I will share their story through my own and tell a brief version of their story of the Peacemaker. Did you know that they had an influence on the Constitution? They held what would today be called a seminar on government in Albany in 1754 at which Benjamin Franklin was present?
2:10—3:10: Thoughts on Celtic Christianity (Don Campbell):
2:10—3:10: Thoughts on Celtic Christianity (Don Campbell):
There was a Christian church among the Gaels of Ireland long before Patrick started his ministry there. His was a mission to Romanize the Celtic Church. The seeing of the landscape and all things as theophanies is characteristic of Celtic spiritual worldview, Christian and pre-Christian. The point of a spiritual practice is to remove the human engendered darkness to let the Glory of the Creator shine through that theophany which is YOU. Some history, discussion, and worship along with exercises from a small volume on the days of Creation.
2:10-3:10: Global Warming and Me (Don Stone):
2:10-3:10: Global Warming and Me (Don Stone):
Perspectives on global warming; What is my carbon footprint? Sharing ideas on how to make it smaller.
3:20-4:20: The Sabbath (Will Snyder and Laura Muller):
3:20-4:20: The Sabbath (Will Snyder and Laura Muller):
What are the meanings of Sabbath, and how do Quakers relate to them? Readings will be available ahead of time for those who wish, but are not required.
3:20-4:20: Help us set FCNL's priorities (P&SC):
3:20-4:20: Help us set FCNL's priorities (P&SC):
Every two years the Friends Committee on National Legislation asks for help from all US Quakers in setting legislative priorities for the next Congress. This session will try to determine the five highest priorities we will send to FCNL as Mount Toby's suggestions.
4:30-5:30: The Kakamega AIDS Orphan Project and Care Center (Sukie Rice):
4:30-5:30: The Kakamega AIDS Orphan Project and Care Center (Sukie Rice):
Sukie of Maine, who has traveled to Kenya six times and has established the Friends of Kakamega (http://www.friendsofkakamega.org/) will show slides and tell about the Center and its work, which is run by Kenyan Quaker women of United Society of Friends Women (USFW-Kakamega.) The Project is a grassroots effort to help children whose parents have died primarily of AIDS. It is an orphanage and a feeding program, and it provides educational sponsorships for orphans so they can go to school.
5:30-6:00: A time of sociability, and setting up tables and chairs for the Kenyan benefit dinner.
6:00-on: Kenyan Benefit Dinner:
5:30-6:00: A time of sociability, and setting up tables and chairs for the Kenyan benefit dinner.
6:00-on: Kenyan Benefit Dinner:
Kenyan recipes will be used for this feast. Sukie Rice of Maine will tell about Kenya and her experiences there, at dessert-time of the dinner.
This is a benefit event, to raise funds for Kenyan relief and projects.
Donations of any amount are encouraged.
All expenses for the dinner will be paid by the Peace and Social Concerns Committee, so that 100% of donations will go to the AFSC for Kenyan relief and projects. The AFSC will give the donations to Friends United Meeting, the African Great Lakes Initiative, and the Nairobi Peace Initiative; see http://afsc.org/give/crisis-kenya.htm/. Checks should be to AFSC, not Mount Toby.
After dinner and Sukie's talk, Friends will be invited to help take down the tables and clear up the Fellowship room.
After dinner and Sukie's talk, Friends will be invited to help take down the tables and clear up the Fellowship room.
*
*
Contact info:
We are located at 194 Long Plain Road (Route 63) in Leverett.
Mailing address: 194 Long Plain Road, Leverett MA 01054
Meeting phone: 413-548-9188
Clerk: Ruth Hazzard, 413-256-1721
Today's headlines - Thurs 3/13/2008
Three articles from BBC
followed by other links
Kenya MPs try to fast-track bills - BBC
Tues 3/11/2008
Kenya's parliament is seeking to speed up the process of passing legislation to bring into force a deal designed to end post-election violence.
A parliamentary committee requested that the bills be discussed within five days, instead of the usual 14 days.
Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki and opposition leader Raila Odinga signed the agreement last month.
It provides for Mr Odinga to be the prime minister, as well as creating posts for two deputy premier ministers.
But parties have clashed over how much authority Mr Odinga will actually have.
House Speaker Kenneth Marende is expected to make a decision on whether to fast-track the process tomorrow, meaning the bills could be passed as early as next week.
Violence
Meanwhile, military forces have been accused of using excessive force in a crackdown on the Sabaot Land Defence Forces (SLDF) in the Mt Elgon region, near the border with Uganda.
The MP for Mt Elgon, Fred Kapondi, told the BBC that the military operation is targeting innocent civilians.
"The kind of approach that has been adopted is wrong. It is not intended to harm the criminals but it is intended to harm the ordinary citizens," Mr Kapondi said.
The SLDF militia says it is fighting for ancestral land belonging to the Sabaot community and has been linked to local politicians.
Mr Kapondi said that while reports say the militia hide-outs are in caves in the Mt Elgon forest, the army offensive was being conducted in inhabited areas.
The MP said he had received reports of civilian casualties.
According to military sources, about 1,000 ground forces are involved in the operation, using heavy artillery and helicopter gunships to comb the area.
The SLDF was blamed for the killing of 12 people last week.
Peace deal
President Kibaki claimed victory in presidential elections on 27 December, but Mr Odinga said the vote was rigged.
The ethnic violence that broke out following the poll left at least 1,500 people dead.
An estimated 600,000 others were forced to flee their homes.
When President Kibaki opened parliament on Thursday, he said that last month's deal would lay the foundations for peace and stability.
There are four bills awaiting discussion:
The government has said that President Kibaki will appoint the cabinet, and that the prime minister will work to an agenda set by the president.
But Mr Odinga's Orange Democratic Movement has insisted that appointments will be made by both men.
In a sign of continuing tensions, the ODM criticised a statement made on Monday by the head of the civil service, Francis Muthaura, outlining the structure of the coalition.
The ODM said the statement was "causing alarm" and "could pose a threat to the accord".
ODM spokesman Salim Lone said discussions over the prime minister's exact role and the distribution of cabinet seats were ongoing.
Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/africa/7288900.stm
Published: 2008/03/11 16:33:01 GMT© BBC MMVIII
Power-sharing: conflict or compromise? - BBC
Mon 3/10/2008
By Stephanie Holmes BBC News
Kenya's parliament is preparing to usher in a power-sharing agreement, brokered to bring to an end to months of ethnic violence sparked by December's disputed election.
But with the country still reeling from the political bloodshed - which displaced some 600,000 people and left at least 1,500 dead - can President Mwai Kibaki and opposition leader Raila Odinga simply now govern side by side?
Under a deal reached in late February, Mr Odinga will become prime minister -a position that is yet to be formally created - in a narrowly split parliament.
But other key issues - about the exact division of power between prime minister and president, as well as how the different ministries will be shared among two parties with differing political agendas - have yet to be thrashed out.
'Secure cocoon'
Power-sharing will not solve a conflict, says Michael Kerr, of the London School of Economics (LSE), rather it will provide a way of managing and regulating it.
"The institutions themselves will not fix your problem. Like a plaster will not fix a broken bone."
Critics of power-sharing say such deals fail to address the reasons behind conflicts and actually entrench political, ethnic or group divisions, rather than resolve them.
Mr Kerr does not agree: "Those divisions are already there. What power-sharing does is it recognises those divisions and institutionalises them.
"A cynic, or realist, might say you have the continuation of war by diplomacy in politics, which is a common historical theme."
Vasu Gounden, the founder of Accord - the African Centre for Constructive Resolution of Disputes - says power-sharing will only work where certain fundamental conditions, including socio-economic stability, are already in place.
"Power-sharing in Kenya will not be easy because there has already been a fracturing within society," he said from Durban.
"Both parties are very equally matched and know their strengths and they have come through a process of extreme conflict."
Struggle for the centre
He cites Burundi - where a power-sharing government was set up in 2001 - as an example of the challenges faced by governing with a such an agreement.
"When you find that political parties are operating on the basis of positions and power - not politics and ideology - then there is a very protracted and deep struggle for power at the centre.
"Parties find it very difficult to reach consensus and it becomes a continuous struggle that can lead to paralysis of governance."
In Burundi, he points out, continued conflict within government prevented any legislation being agreed for eight months.
In South Africa, as the country made the transition to multi-party democracy with its first free multiracial elections in 1994, political violence between supporters of the Inkatha Freedom Party and the African National Congress claimed thousands of lives.
The ANC's Frene Ginwala, speaker of parliament between 1994 and 2004, remembers that after such violence, a power-sharing deal was the only way forward.
"Very often, when we were unhappy with compromise, Mr Mandela would say: 'Yes, but what is the alternative? The alternative is that you are going to inherit, you are going to rule over, a pile of ruins'," she said.
With Kenya's political violence estimated to have cost the country some $1bn in damage to the economy as well as ruining its image as a haven of stability within the continent, Mr Kibaki and Mr Odinga may well have come to a similar conclusion.
Falling out
"The experience of violence, the threat of ethnic violence would probably bolster the political will of both sides," Ms Ginwala said.
She is at pains to emphasise that though they may have traded barbs this time around, the two men were once political allies.
Mr Odinga's support was vital in getting President Mwai Kibaki elected in 2002. But after he later failed to follow through on a promised power-sharing government with Mr Odinga, the two fell out.
"We mustn't forget that they fought the [2002] election together, as part of the coalition. I hope this is what they will hark back to, rather than the last few years when they disagreed so much," she said.
Difficult personal relationships with people at the opposite side of the political divide are one of the challenges of making a power-sharing government work, says Mr Kerr.
'Battlefield struggle'
"Of course there is an awful lot of personal antagonism and difficulty; there is an awful lot of grief and memory from the conflict.
"Many of the participants involved in Northern Ireland at the moment, many would see them as being either the main participants in, or provocateurs of, a lot of that violence," he said.
In Kenya too, international observers accused political leaders of fomenting the ethnic tensions between their supporters' base.
But he insists that power-sharing in Northern Ireland provides an "incremental approach to dealing with long-term divisions within society," allowing memories of violence to fade, albeit slowly.
Accord's Mr Gounden says that building a strong relationship between the two men at the top of the political pyramid in Kenya will be key to ensuring consensus lower down.
Yet he underlines that conflict is at the very heart of all political relationships - within Africa and beyond.
"I don't think there is anything different in Africa, it is just that the economic situation on the continent and the literacy levels might be different, so the struggles turn out to be not just a boardroom struggle for power, but a battlefield struggle for power also."
Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/africa/7286592.stm
Published: 2008/03/10 15:07:25 GMT© BBC MMVIII
Kenyans ill in 'toxic waste' leak - BBC
Thurs 3/13/2008
Hundreds of people near the Kenyan port of Mombasa say they have become ill after a consignment of leaking chemical containers was dumped nearby.
Witnesses told the BBC the containers were abandoned at Kipevu near the port about a month ago by a truck driver who had noticed liquid seeping out.
The containers have traces of nitric acid, an environmental official says.
A BBC reporter in Mombasa says two women living in a Kipevu slum have complained of having miscarriages.
Other slum residents have also complained of breathing difficulties, stomach upsets and chest pains.
I had gone to relieve myself in the toilet, while there but was hit by a strong fume Kibibi, slum resident who miscarried
The BBC's Odhiambo Joseph says he also experienced breathing difficulties and a stomach upset after visiting the area.
He says a yellow liquid and noxious fumes have been escaping from the two 20-foot containers.
The National Environmental Management Authority (Nema) says it has brought in tonnes of sand and other agents to try to neutralise the spill.
Latrines
Nassir Rashid, the director of environment at the Mombasa Municipal Council (MMC), says samples of the chemicals have been sent to the government chemist for identification.
But he says the chemicals are extremely toxic and more than 1,500 villagers have been treated for various illnesses caused by the chemicals.
Morris Otieno from Nema said an operation to neutralise the chemicals has been successful, but our reporter says the effects are still being felt and one container is still leaking.
The chemical cargo was on its way from Mombasa port to a mining company in western Uganda when it was dumped.
The MMC has ordered the company to appear in court to answer charges of environmental pollution, our correspondent says.
The company says an agent in Mombasa is dealing with the case.
The chemicals are also said to be destroying property, corroding the metal sheets used to build houses and melting anything made of plastic.
According to residents in the slum - known as Kalahari Village - the acid seems to have entered the latrine systems.
Kibibi, whose house was near the chemical spill, alleges she miscarried as a result.
"It was a three-month-old pregnancy. I had gone to relieve myself in the toilet, while there but was hit by a strong fume," she told the BBC's Network Africa programme.
"I quickly gathered myself up and ran back towards my room but I could not manage - I fell down and I started bleeding immediately."
Residents say their livestock has also been affected and some of the animals have died.
Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/africa/7293657.stm
Published: 2008/03/13 11:16:47 GMT© BBC MMVIII
Daily Nation
3/13/2008
LEADING STORY
MPs unite to start the healing process MPs put their factional differences aside in Parliament Wednesday to unite the country ahead of debate on Bills necessary for the formation of a coalition Government. ...
Rights abuse acute during crisis: US Human rights violations in Kenya became acute in the aftermath of the December 27 election, the US State Department indicates in a report is...
Grabbed files contain poll results Files snatched from the Electoral Commission of Kenya at a hotel in Kilifi contain last year’s presidential election results, the Nation has...
Nation - Politics Headlines:
LEADING STORY
Rift Valley leaders not targeted, says AG Rift Valley Province leaders are not being targeted by police over the recent post-election violence, the Attorney-General has said. ...
MP in court over stirring up violence Naivasha Member of Parliament John Mututho Wednesday appeared in a Nairobi court facing charges of incitement. ...
Address ills or risk civilian coup, MPs told A Cabinet minister has raised a red flag on the political class: Respond to public needs or risk irrelevance. ...
MPs united in search for lasting peace Leaders across the political divide Wednesday began putting the country on a reconciliatory, peaceful and progressive path. ...
NGO calls for peace ministry The Government was Wednesday urged to establish a ministry of Peace-building and Conflict Resolution to oversee all processes leading to sus...
Ignore rash talk, says US envoy The US Wednesday asked Kenyans to listen only to President Kibaki and ODM leader Raila Odinga regarding the new political system. ...
PNU in Sh82 million debt row Party of National Unity employees are now expressing their frustration over failure by the coalition party to pay them their salaries amount...
Google News: Kenya
Kenya: Between Principle And Peace
AllAfrica.com, Washington - 3 hours ago
If it were not so why did we look on in embarrassed silence at what was going on in Kenya without rising up to insist that the right thing be done? ...
Is this about 'jobs for the boys' or national healing? Daily Nation
Nigerian mediator to brief AU on peace progress in Kenya Afrique en ligne
Challenge to Odinga role threatens Kenya pact Financial Times
The Associated Press - Reuters
all 136 news articles »
AFP
A war of bows and arrows in the heart of Kenya's crisis
AFP - 9 hours ago
KAPUNO VALLEY, Kenya (AFP) — At daybreak, the lanky silhouettes of Maasai archers skim down the green pastures to meet their opponents, charging down the ...
Standard
61 Kenyan militia members held
News24, South Africa - 3 hours ago
Eldoret - Security forces have arrested 61 suspected members of a tribal militia in western Kenya just days after the army launched a massive crackdown on ...
Uganda: UPDF Deploys At Kenya Border AllAfrica.com
Hundreds flee, several dead in Kenya army offensive Reuters South Africa
Kenyan forces arrest 69 militiamen in offensive Reuters South Africa
AngolaPress - AllAfrica.com
all 80 news articles »
Kenya: Will Peace Stand the Test?
AllAfrica.com, Washington - 14 hours ago
However, the events in Kenya have since been significant: Both Kibaki and Odinga camps engaged in peace talks in their own country. ...
Laws aimed forming new Kenya govt on track SABC News
all 3 news articles »
Kenya: Kibaki Tells Displaced People to Go Back Home
AllAfrica.com, Washington - 14 hours ago
Kibaki said good planning and investment in education would raise Kenya from poverty and earn respect internationally. "We want Kenya to be a leader in ...
Kenya: MPs Plot Resource Sharing AllAfrica.com
East Africa: Kenya Re-Loaded AllAfrica.com
East Africa: Where Was the EAC When the Region's Head Was Being ... AllAfrica.com
all 5 news articles »
Kenya: Canada Lifts Travel Advisory
AllAfrica.com, Washington - 16 hours ago
She was speaking on Wednesday in Nairobi during a meeting between Commercial Trade Attaches and the Kenya Business Processing Outsourcing and Contact ...
Kenya: Tourism Booms in 2007 Amid Worldwide Travel Surge AllAfrica.com
Kenya: Spread of Wheat Disease Sparks Shortage Fears AllAfrica.com
all 5 news articles »
Kenya: Econet Sets Roll-Out Date for June
AllAfrica.com, Washington - 16 hours ago
Econet Wireless Kenya has set the end of June as the tentative date for its delayed roll-out as the country's third mobile phone operator. ...
Kenya: Telkom Picks Staff As It Eyes for Mobile Roll-Out AllAfrica.com
all 5 news articles »
TKG - ZIM:ECONET
Kenya: Prepare for Outsourcing
AllAfrica.com, Washington - 16 hours ago
Although Kenya currently has infrastructure hurdles that stand between it and this industry, the evolution of the industry in Kenya proves we have serious ...
Kenya: Security Personnel's Work Ineffectual
AllAfrica.com, Washington - 14 hours ago
This has been a particularly bad year for Kenya. Although we appear to have got over the worst violence with the political accommodation launched three ...
Kenya: Schools Closed Due to Violence in Laikipia AllAfrica.com
Kenya: Killings And Displacement Continue in Areas Hit By Ethnic ... AllAfrica.com
all 3 news articles »
Kenya: Sell-Offs At NSE As Market Eyes Safaricom IPO
AllAfrica.com, Washington - 16 hours ago
Prior to the post election violence that rocked the country at the start of the year, the listing of Safaricom - the mobile telephony firm and Kenya's most ...
Kenya: Nairobi Stocks Boost Use Ahead of Safaricom IPO AllAfrica.com
all 3 news articles »
New! Get the latest news on Kenya with Google Alerts.
followed by other links
Kenya MPs try to fast-track bills - BBC
Tues 3/11/2008
Kenya's parliament is seeking to speed up the process of passing legislation to bring into force a deal designed to end post-election violence.
A parliamentary committee requested that the bills be discussed within five days, instead of the usual 14 days.
Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki and opposition leader Raila Odinga signed the agreement last month.
It provides for Mr Odinga to be the prime minister, as well as creating posts for two deputy premier ministers.
But parties have clashed over how much authority Mr Odinga will actually have.
House Speaker Kenneth Marende is expected to make a decision on whether to fast-track the process tomorrow, meaning the bills could be passed as early as next week.
Violence
Meanwhile, military forces have been accused of using excessive force in a crackdown on the Sabaot Land Defence Forces (SLDF) in the Mt Elgon region, near the border with Uganda.
The MP for Mt Elgon, Fred Kapondi, told the BBC that the military operation is targeting innocent civilians.
"The kind of approach that has been adopted is wrong. It is not intended to harm the criminals but it is intended to harm the ordinary citizens," Mr Kapondi said.
The SLDF militia says it is fighting for ancestral land belonging to the Sabaot community and has been linked to local politicians.
Mr Kapondi said that while reports say the militia hide-outs are in caves in the Mt Elgon forest, the army offensive was being conducted in inhabited areas.
The MP said he had received reports of civilian casualties.
According to military sources, about 1,000 ground forces are involved in the operation, using heavy artillery and helicopter gunships to comb the area.
The SLDF was blamed for the killing of 12 people last week.
Peace deal
President Kibaki claimed victory in presidential elections on 27 December, but Mr Odinga said the vote was rigged.
The ethnic violence that broke out following the poll left at least 1,500 people dead.
An estimated 600,000 others were forced to flee their homes.
When President Kibaki opened parliament on Thursday, he said that last month's deal would lay the foundations for peace and stability.
There are four bills awaiting discussion:
- The national accord and reconciliation bill, which sets out the details of the power-sharing deal
- The constitutional amendment bill, which makes the necessary changes to the country's constitution
- A bill establishing a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to address the recent violence and longer-term injustices
- An ethnic relations bill aimed at promoting tribal tolerance in Kenya.
The government has said that President Kibaki will appoint the cabinet, and that the prime minister will work to an agenda set by the president.
But Mr Odinga's Orange Democratic Movement has insisted that appointments will be made by both men.
In a sign of continuing tensions, the ODM criticised a statement made on Monday by the head of the civil service, Francis Muthaura, outlining the structure of the coalition.
The ODM said the statement was "causing alarm" and "could pose a threat to the accord".
ODM spokesman Salim Lone said discussions over the prime minister's exact role and the distribution of cabinet seats were ongoing.
Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/africa/7288900.stm
Published: 2008/03/11 16:33:01 GMT© BBC MMVIII
Power-sharing: conflict or compromise? - BBC
Mon 3/10/2008
By Stephanie Holmes BBC News
Kenya's parliament is preparing to usher in a power-sharing agreement, brokered to bring to an end to months of ethnic violence sparked by December's disputed election.
But with the country still reeling from the political bloodshed - which displaced some 600,000 people and left at least 1,500 dead - can President Mwai Kibaki and opposition leader Raila Odinga simply now govern side by side?
Under a deal reached in late February, Mr Odinga will become prime minister -a position that is yet to be formally created - in a narrowly split parliament.
But other key issues - about the exact division of power between prime minister and president, as well as how the different ministries will be shared among two parties with differing political agendas - have yet to be thrashed out.
'Secure cocoon'
Power-sharing will not solve a conflict, says Michael Kerr, of the London School of Economics (LSE), rather it will provide a way of managing and regulating it.
"The institutions themselves will not fix your problem. Like a plaster will not fix a broken bone."
When we were unhappy with compromise, Mr Mandela would say: 'Yes, but what is the alternative? The alternative is that you are going to inherit... a pile of ruins'
Frene Ginwala, South Africa's former parliamentary speaker
Critics of power-sharing say such deals fail to address the reasons behind conflicts and actually entrench political, ethnic or group divisions, rather than resolve them.
Mr Kerr does not agree: "Those divisions are already there. What power-sharing does is it recognises those divisions and institutionalises them.
"A cynic, or realist, might say you have the continuation of war by diplomacy in politics, which is a common historical theme."
Vasu Gounden, the founder of Accord - the African Centre for Constructive Resolution of Disputes - says power-sharing will only work where certain fundamental conditions, including socio-economic stability, are already in place.
"Power-sharing in Kenya will not be easy because there has already been a fracturing within society," he said from Durban.
"Both parties are very equally matched and know their strengths and they have come through a process of extreme conflict."
Struggle for the centre
He cites Burundi - where a power-sharing government was set up in 2001 - as an example of the challenges faced by governing with a such an agreement.
"When you find that political parties are operating on the basis of positions and power - not politics and ideology - then there is a very protracted and deep struggle for power at the centre.
"Parties find it very difficult to reach consensus and it becomes a continuous struggle that can lead to paralysis of governance."
In Burundi, he points out, continued conflict within government prevented any legislation being agreed for eight months.
In South Africa, as the country made the transition to multi-party democracy with its first free multiracial elections in 1994, political violence between supporters of the Inkatha Freedom Party and the African National Congress claimed thousands of lives.
The ANC's Frene Ginwala, speaker of parliament between 1994 and 2004, remembers that after such violence, a power-sharing deal was the only way forward.
Of course there is an awful lot of personal antagonism and difficulty; there is an awful lot of grief and memory from the conflict
Michael Kerr, LSE
"Very often, when we were unhappy with compromise, Mr Mandela would say: 'Yes, but what is the alternative? The alternative is that you are going to inherit, you are going to rule over, a pile of ruins'," she said.
With Kenya's political violence estimated to have cost the country some $1bn in damage to the economy as well as ruining its image as a haven of stability within the continent, Mr Kibaki and Mr Odinga may well have come to a similar conclusion.
Falling out
"The experience of violence, the threat of ethnic violence would probably bolster the political will of both sides," Ms Ginwala said.
She is at pains to emphasise that though they may have traded barbs this time around, the two men were once political allies.
Mr Odinga's support was vital in getting President Mwai Kibaki elected in 2002. But after he later failed to follow through on a promised power-sharing government with Mr Odinga, the two fell out.
"We mustn't forget that they fought the [2002] election together, as part of the coalition. I hope this is what they will hark back to, rather than the last few years when they disagreed so much," she said.
Difficult personal relationships with people at the opposite side of the political divide are one of the challenges of making a power-sharing government work, says Mr Kerr.
'Battlefield struggle'
"Of course there is an awful lot of personal antagonism and difficulty; there is an awful lot of grief and memory from the conflict.
"Many of the participants involved in Northern Ireland at the moment, many would see them as being either the main participants in, or provocateurs of, a lot of that violence," he said.
In Kenya too, international observers accused political leaders of fomenting the ethnic tensions between their supporters' base.
But he insists that power-sharing in Northern Ireland provides an "incremental approach to dealing with long-term divisions within society," allowing memories of violence to fade, albeit slowly.
Accord's Mr Gounden says that building a strong relationship between the two men at the top of the political pyramid in Kenya will be key to ensuring consensus lower down.
Yet he underlines that conflict is at the very heart of all political relationships - within Africa and beyond.
"I don't think there is anything different in Africa, it is just that the economic situation on the continent and the literacy levels might be different, so the struggles turn out to be not just a boardroom struggle for power, but a battlefield struggle for power also."
Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/africa/7286592.stm
Published: 2008/03/10 15:07:25 GMT© BBC MMVIII
Kenyans ill in 'toxic waste' leak - BBC
Thurs 3/13/2008
Hundreds of people near the Kenyan port of Mombasa say they have become ill after a consignment of leaking chemical containers was dumped nearby.
Witnesses told the BBC the containers were abandoned at Kipevu near the port about a month ago by a truck driver who had noticed liquid seeping out.
The containers have traces of nitric acid, an environmental official says.
A BBC reporter in Mombasa says two women living in a Kipevu slum have complained of having miscarriages.
Other slum residents have also complained of breathing difficulties, stomach upsets and chest pains.
I had gone to relieve myself in the toilet, while there but was hit by a strong fume Kibibi, slum resident who miscarried
The BBC's Odhiambo Joseph says he also experienced breathing difficulties and a stomach upset after visiting the area.
He says a yellow liquid and noxious fumes have been escaping from the two 20-foot containers.
The National Environmental Management Authority (Nema) says it has brought in tonnes of sand and other agents to try to neutralise the spill.
Latrines
Nassir Rashid, the director of environment at the Mombasa Municipal Council (MMC), says samples of the chemicals have been sent to the government chemist for identification.
But he says the chemicals are extremely toxic and more than 1,500 villagers have been treated for various illnesses caused by the chemicals.
Morris Otieno from Nema said an operation to neutralise the chemicals has been successful, but our reporter says the effects are still being felt and one container is still leaking.
The chemical cargo was on its way from Mombasa port to a mining company in western Uganda when it was dumped.
The MMC has ordered the company to appear in court to answer charges of environmental pollution, our correspondent says.
The company says an agent in Mombasa is dealing with the case.
The chemicals are also said to be destroying property, corroding the metal sheets used to build houses and melting anything made of plastic.
According to residents in the slum - known as Kalahari Village - the acid seems to have entered the latrine systems.
Kibibi, whose house was near the chemical spill, alleges she miscarried as a result.
"It was a three-month-old pregnancy. I had gone to relieve myself in the toilet, while there but was hit by a strong fume," she told the BBC's Network Africa programme.
"I quickly gathered myself up and ran back towards my room but I could not manage - I fell down and I started bleeding immediately."
Residents say their livestock has also been affected and some of the animals have died.
Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/africa/7293657.stm
Published: 2008/03/13 11:16:47 GMT© BBC MMVIII
Daily Nation
3/13/2008
LEADING STORY
MPs unite to start the healing process MPs put their factional differences aside in Parliament Wednesday to unite the country ahead of debate on Bills necessary for the formation of a coalition Government. ...
Rights abuse acute during crisis: US Human rights violations in Kenya became acute in the aftermath of the December 27 election, the US State Department indicates in a report is...
Grabbed files contain poll results Files snatched from the Electoral Commission of Kenya at a hotel in Kilifi contain last year’s presidential election results, the Nation has...
Nation - Politics Headlines:
LEADING STORY
Rift Valley leaders not targeted, says AG Rift Valley Province leaders are not being targeted by police over the recent post-election violence, the Attorney-General has said. ...
MP in court over stirring up violence Naivasha Member of Parliament John Mututho Wednesday appeared in a Nairobi court facing charges of incitement. ...
Address ills or risk civilian coup, MPs told A Cabinet minister has raised a red flag on the political class: Respond to public needs or risk irrelevance. ...
MPs united in search for lasting peace Leaders across the political divide Wednesday began putting the country on a reconciliatory, peaceful and progressive path. ...
NGO calls for peace ministry The Government was Wednesday urged to establish a ministry of Peace-building and Conflict Resolution to oversee all processes leading to sus...
Ignore rash talk, says US envoy The US Wednesday asked Kenyans to listen only to President Kibaki and ODM leader Raila Odinga regarding the new political system. ...
PNU in Sh82 million debt row Party of National Unity employees are now expressing their frustration over failure by the coalition party to pay them their salaries amount...
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Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Flyer for Cincinnati event - April 6, 2008
Sunday
April 6, 2008
11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Eastern Hills Friends Meeting
1671 Nagel Road
Anderson Township
Cincinnati, OH 45254
Meet Patrick Nugent, former Principal, and
Benson Khamasi, current faculty member, at
Friends Theological College - Kaimosi, Kenya
=================
Learn about Kenya’s post-election crisis,
Relief & reconciliation efforts,
the role of training for pastoral ministry,
and Alternatives to Violence Project
expansion in East Africa
+
Enjoy Kenyan tea
with light refreshments
+
Childcare will be available
+
Donations to support
Kenyan peacemaking
& relief efforts
will be gratefully received.
+ + +
Even if you can't make it to the event,
you can contribute by clicking here
(earmark your gift "Kenya Relief Fund"):
> Friends United Meeting &/or
> AGLI - African Great Lakes Initiative
For more information or directions call
Mary Kay Rehard
(513) 739-4750
All are welcome!
> Click here for press release on this event
> Click here for more info on Quakers in Cincinnati
Press release for Cincinnati event - April 6, 2008
Kenya’s post-election crisis:
How Quaker leaders are helping
NOTE NEW DATE
(rescheduled due to adverse weather):
SUNDAY, APRIL 6, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
1. Presenter:
Eastern Hills Friends Meeting
1671 Nagel Road
Anderson Township
Cincinnati, OH, 45254
513-474-9670
http://www.easternhillsfriends.org/
Contact person:
Mary Kay Rehard
6083 Dryden Avenue
Cincinnati, Ohio 45213
(513) 739-4750
2. Venue:
Eastern Hills Friends Meeting
1671 Nagel Road
Anderson Township
Cincinnati, OH, 45254
http://www.easternhillsfriends.org/
3. Event details:
Event name: “Kenya’s post-election crisis: How Quaker leaders are helping”
Contact person: Mary Kay Rehard (513) 739-4750
Price: none, event is free; donations welcome to support relief & peacebuilding efforts in Kenya
Description: Meet Patrick Nugent, former principal, and Benson Khamasi, current faculty, of Friends Theological College – Kaimosi, Kenya. The college is sponsored by Quaker church mission organization, Friends United Meeting. Hear background & updates on the situation in Kenya, learn about the Quaker response to Kenya's post-election crisis, and discuss the role of pastoral education in peacebuilding & relief efforts. Refreshments will be available--enjoy Kenyan tea & snacks.
Target audience: All ages (childcare provided)
4. Date and time of event:
Sunday, April 6, 2008
11:00 – 12:30 p.m.
Program following Quaker worship from 10:00 to 11:00.
Event is a benefit for Friends United Meeting, a non-profit organization:
http://www.fum.org/
> Click here for flyer on event
How Quaker leaders are helping
NOTE NEW DATE
(rescheduled due to adverse weather):
SUNDAY, APRIL 6, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
1. Presenter:
Eastern Hills Friends Meeting
1671 Nagel Road
Anderson Township
Cincinnati, OH, 45254
513-474-9670
http://www.easternhillsfriends.org/
Contact person:
Mary Kay Rehard
6083 Dryden Avenue
Cincinnati, Ohio 45213
(513) 739-4750
2. Venue:
Eastern Hills Friends Meeting
1671 Nagel Road
Anderson Township
Cincinnati, OH, 45254
http://www.easternhillsfriends.org/
3. Event details:
Event name: “Kenya’s post-election crisis: How Quaker leaders are helping”
Contact person: Mary Kay Rehard (513) 739-4750
Price: none, event is free; donations welcome to support relief & peacebuilding efforts in Kenya
Description: Meet Patrick Nugent, former principal, and Benson Khamasi, current faculty, of Friends Theological College – Kaimosi, Kenya. The college is sponsored by Quaker church mission organization, Friends United Meeting. Hear background & updates on the situation in Kenya, learn about the Quaker response to Kenya's post-election crisis, and discuss the role of pastoral education in peacebuilding & relief efforts. Refreshments will be available--enjoy Kenyan tea & snacks.
Target audience: All ages (childcare provided)
4. Date and time of event:
Sunday, April 6, 2008
11:00 – 12:30 p.m.
Program following Quaker worship from 10:00 to 11:00.
Event is a benefit for Friends United Meeting, a non-profit organization:
http://www.fum.org/
> Click here for flyer on event
Today's Headlines - Tues 3/11/2008
Kenya MPs to discuss peace deal - BBC
March 11, 2008
Kenya's parliament is to begin debating legislation that would bring into force a deal designed to end post-election violence.
Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki and opposition leader Raila Odinga signed the agreement last month.
It provides for Mr Odinga to enter the government as the prime minister, as well as creating posts for two deputy prime ministers.
But parties have clashed over how much authority Mr Odinga will actually have.
Peace deal
President Kibaki claimed victory in presidential elections on 27 December, but Mr Odinga said the vote was rigged.
The ethnic violence that broke out following the poll left at least 1,500 people dead.
An estimated 600,000 others were forced to flee their homes.
When President Kibaki opened parliament on Thursday, he said that last month's deal would lay the foundations for peace and stability.
There are four bills awaiting discussion:
Power dispute
The government has said that President Kibaki will appoint the cabinet, and that the prime minister will work to an agenda set by the president.
But Mr Odinga's Orange Democratic Movement has insisted that appointments will be made by both men.
In a sign of continuing tensions, the ODM criticised a statement made on Monday by the head of the civil service, Francis Muthaura, outlining the structure of the coalition.
The ODM said the statement was "causing alarm" and "could pose a threat to the accord".
ODM spokesman Salim Lone said discussions over the prime minister's exact role and the distribution of cabinet seats were ongoing.
Violence
Meanwhile, a huge military operation is continuing targeting a militia which has killed some 500 people in a land dispute over the past 18 months.
The army is using heavy artillery, hundreds of troops and helicopter gunships, in the Mount Elgon forests near the border with Uganda.
They are targeting the Sabaot Land Defence Forces (SLDF) which was blamed for the killing of 12 people last week.
The militia has also been accused of links to recent political violence.
Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/africa/7288900.stm
Published: 2008/03/11 07:22:56 GMT
Kenya MPs to discuss peace deal
BBC News, UK - 5 hours agoKenya's parliament is to begin debating legislation that would bring into force a deal designed to end post-election violence. Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki ...
Kenya: Time to Heal the Wounds AllAfrica.com
Kenya: Raila Speaks On Plans And Expectations in Coalition AllAfrica.com
Kenya's first steps to stability Toronto Star
AllAfrica.com - East African
all 65 news articles » CTV.ca
Fear Grips Residents As Army Mounts Air Attacks
The East African Standard (Nairobi)
NEWS
11 March 2008 Posted to the web 10 March 2008
By Allan Kisia
Nairobi
The Government has mounted the strongest offensive against the Sabaot Land Defence Force (SLDF) militia.
After a four-month mobilisation, according to security sources, the army, General Service Unit and paramilitary police officers landed in Mt Elgon on Sunday night.
Residents of Cheptais said helicopters started firing at 5am on Monday. "We heard explosions as helicopters hovered in the air. We are shocked," said Pastor Joseph Kipnusu.
Hundreds of families fled Kopsiro and Cheptais divisions in fear.
Most activities, including learning in some schools in Cheptais, were paralysed.
Ms Phoebe Masai, a teacher at Bukoloi Primary School, said her colleagues and pupils ran away following the aerial attacks.
The Kenya Red Cross Society officials reported that one person was taken to Lugulu Mission Hospital with injuries.
Hundreds of heavily armed military officers are combing homesteads in search of SLDF members.
The ragtag army is said to have killed 546 people and displaced more than 40,000 residents in the past 18 months.
The fighting, which was sparked by controversy over allocations at Chebyuk Settlement Scheme, has taken a new dimension.
SLDF has spread its raids to Trans Nzoia and Bungoma districts.
When The Standard visited Kopsiro, Cheptoror and Cheptonon, market centres and homes were deserted.
"Everyone is on the run. People cannot wait for the security personnel because they are usually ruthless," said a resident.
Western PC, Mr Abdul Mwasserrah, announced a night curfew to make the operation effective.
"There should be no movement between 6.30pm and 6.30am," he said.
But local MP, Mr Fred Kapondi, accused the Government of harassing residents.
"Helicopters have bombed banks of Lwakhakha and Cheptais rivers. They should concentrate on Mt Elgon Forest," he said.
Kapondi claimed hundreds of youths had been arrested and taken to an undisclosed destination.
"We fear there might be killings. This is an affront to peaceful civilians. I'll take up the matter with the Internal Security minister, Prof George Saitoti," he said.
Kapondi said the Government should adhere to international human rights codes to ensure minimal suffering.
The Local county council vice-chairman, Councillor Benson Cheskak, said the operation was uncalled for.
He said the Government knew where the militia were hiding.
Copyright © 2008 The East African Standard.
All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com).
Kenya: Fear Grips Residents As Army Mounts Air AttacksAllAfrica.com, Washington - 15 hours ago
The Kenya Red Cross Society officials reported that one person was taken to Lugulu Mission Hospital with injuries. Hundreds of heavily armed military ...
Kenya army launches crackdown on tribal militia AFP
Officials: Army Cracks Down in W. Kenya The Associated Press
Army offensive on Kenya militia BBC News
Canada.com -
Radio Netherlands
all 183 news articles »
East Africa economies seen weathering Kenya crisis
Reuters South Africa, South Africa - 3 hours ago
By Jack Kimball NAIROBI (Reuters) - The economies of Kenya's neighbours are beginning to return to normal, but some fallout from post-election violence will ...
EA 'over-reliant on Northern Corridor - EABC East African
Rwanda set for EA federation East African
all 4 news articles »
Kenya unit eases vs dollar on demand from energy sector
Reuters South Africa, South Africa - 2 hours agoNAIROBI (Reuters) - Kenya's shilling eased against the dollar on Tuesday due to mild demand from the energy sector, with trade mainly restricted to ...
Kenya shilling firms vs dollar, central bank auction helps Reuters South Africa
all 2 news articles »
We Are Paying to Help, But Corrupt Kenya Instead
Wall Street Journal - 5 hours ago
Thank you for focusing on the corruption in Kenya that is encouraged, courtesy of American taxpayers, by the feckless World Bank ("Kenya and the World Bank ...
Africa: CAF Accept Kenya Involvement
AllAfrica.com, Washington - 3 hours ago
The Confederation of African Football has re-admitted Cecafa member states, Kenya and Eritrea into the newly introduced Africa Nations Championships ...
Kenya: Despite the Euphoria, Country is Not Out of the Woods Yet
AllAfrica.com, Washington - 5 hours ago
Confidence in Kenya as a reliable regional gateway has been severely dented. We have a lot to make up if we want to persuade these countries not to find ...
Kenya: Citizen Out to Conquer Canada
AllAfrica.com, Washington - 6 hours ago
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Kenya: Five Arrested Over Eldoret Church Deaths
AllAfrica.com, Washington - 6 hours agoThe victims, mostly women and children, were burnt alive after taking refuge in the Kenya Assemblies of God Church in Kiambaa, just outside Eldoret. ...
Kenya crackdown
Jamaica Gleaner, Jamaica - 7 hours agoThe army yesterday used heavy firepower to crack down on a group linked to bloody land clashes in western Kenya, local officials said, ...
New! Get the latest news on Kenya with Google Alerts.
March 11, 2008
Kenya's parliament is to begin debating legislation that would bring into force a deal designed to end post-election violence.
Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki and opposition leader Raila Odinga signed the agreement last month.
It provides for Mr Odinga to enter the government as the prime minister, as well as creating posts for two deputy prime ministers.
But parties have clashed over how much authority Mr Odinga will actually have.
Peace deal
President Kibaki claimed victory in presidential elections on 27 December, but Mr Odinga said the vote was rigged.
The ethnic violence that broke out following the poll left at least 1,500 people dead.
An estimated 600,000 others were forced to flee their homes.
When President Kibaki opened parliament on Thursday, he said that last month's deal would lay the foundations for peace and stability.
There are four bills awaiting discussion:
- The national accord and reconciliation bill, which sets out the details of the power-sharing deal
- The constitutional amendment bill, which makes the necessary changes to the country's constitution
- A bill establishing a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to address the recent violence and longer-term injustices
- An ethnic relations bill aimed at promoting tribal tolerance in Kenya.
Power dispute
The government has said that President Kibaki will appoint the cabinet, and that the prime minister will work to an agenda set by the president.
But Mr Odinga's Orange Democratic Movement has insisted that appointments will be made by both men.
In a sign of continuing tensions, the ODM criticised a statement made on Monday by the head of the civil service, Francis Muthaura, outlining the structure of the coalition.
The ODM said the statement was "causing alarm" and "could pose a threat to the accord".
ODM spokesman Salim Lone said discussions over the prime minister's exact role and the distribution of cabinet seats were ongoing.
Violence
Meanwhile, a huge military operation is continuing targeting a militia which has killed some 500 people in a land dispute over the past 18 months.
The army is using heavy artillery, hundreds of troops and helicopter gunships, in the Mount Elgon forests near the border with Uganda.
They are targeting the Sabaot Land Defence Forces (SLDF) which was blamed for the killing of 12 people last week.
The militia has also been accused of links to recent political violence.
Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/africa/7288900.stm
Published: 2008/03/11 07:22:56 GMT
Kenya MPs to discuss peace deal
BBC News, UK - 5 hours agoKenya's parliament is to begin debating legislation that would bring into force a deal designed to end post-election violence. Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki ...
Kenya: Time to Heal the Wounds AllAfrica.com
Kenya: Raila Speaks On Plans And Expectations in Coalition AllAfrica.com
Kenya's first steps to stability Toronto Star
AllAfrica.com - East African
all 65 news articles » CTV.ca
Fear Grips Residents As Army Mounts Air Attacks
The East African Standard (Nairobi)
NEWS
11 March 2008 Posted to the web 10 March 2008
By Allan Kisia
Nairobi
The Government has mounted the strongest offensive against the Sabaot Land Defence Force (SLDF) militia.
After a four-month mobilisation, according to security sources, the army, General Service Unit and paramilitary police officers landed in Mt Elgon on Sunday night.
Residents of Cheptais said helicopters started firing at 5am on Monday. "We heard explosions as helicopters hovered in the air. We are shocked," said Pastor Joseph Kipnusu.
Hundreds of families fled Kopsiro and Cheptais divisions in fear.
Most activities, including learning in some schools in Cheptais, were paralysed.
Ms Phoebe Masai, a teacher at Bukoloi Primary School, said her colleagues and pupils ran away following the aerial attacks.
The Kenya Red Cross Society officials reported that one person was taken to Lugulu Mission Hospital with injuries.
Hundreds of heavily armed military officers are combing homesteads in search of SLDF members.
The ragtag army is said to have killed 546 people and displaced more than 40,000 residents in the past 18 months.
The fighting, which was sparked by controversy over allocations at Chebyuk Settlement Scheme, has taken a new dimension.
SLDF has spread its raids to Trans Nzoia and Bungoma districts.
When The Standard visited Kopsiro, Cheptoror and Cheptonon, market centres and homes were deserted.
"Everyone is on the run. People cannot wait for the security personnel because they are usually ruthless," said a resident.
Western PC, Mr Abdul Mwasserrah, announced a night curfew to make the operation effective.
"There should be no movement between 6.30pm and 6.30am," he said.
But local MP, Mr Fred Kapondi, accused the Government of harassing residents.
"Helicopters have bombed banks of Lwakhakha and Cheptais rivers. They should concentrate on Mt Elgon Forest," he said.
Kapondi claimed hundreds of youths had been arrested and taken to an undisclosed destination.
"We fear there might be killings. This is an affront to peaceful civilians. I'll take up the matter with the Internal Security minister, Prof George Saitoti," he said.
Kapondi said the Government should adhere to international human rights codes to ensure minimal suffering.
The Local county council vice-chairman, Councillor Benson Cheskak, said the operation was uncalled for.
He said the Government knew where the militia were hiding.
Copyright © 2008 The East African Standard.
All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com).
Kenya: Fear Grips Residents As Army Mounts Air AttacksAllAfrica.com, Washington - 15 hours ago
The Kenya Red Cross Society officials reported that one person was taken to Lugulu Mission Hospital with injuries. Hundreds of heavily armed military ...
Kenya army launches crackdown on tribal militia AFP
Officials: Army Cracks Down in W. Kenya The Associated Press
Army offensive on Kenya militia BBC News
Canada.com -
Radio Netherlands
all 183 news articles »
East Africa economies seen weathering Kenya crisis
Reuters South Africa, South Africa - 3 hours ago
By Jack Kimball NAIROBI (Reuters) - The economies of Kenya's neighbours are beginning to return to normal, but some fallout from post-election violence will ...
EA 'over-reliant on Northern Corridor - EABC East African
Rwanda set for EA federation East African
all 4 news articles »
Kenya unit eases vs dollar on demand from energy sector
Reuters South Africa, South Africa - 2 hours agoNAIROBI (Reuters) - Kenya's shilling eased against the dollar on Tuesday due to mild demand from the energy sector, with trade mainly restricted to ...
Kenya shilling firms vs dollar, central bank auction helps Reuters South Africa
all 2 news articles »
We Are Paying to Help, But Corrupt Kenya Instead
Wall Street Journal - 5 hours ago
Thank you for focusing on the corruption in Kenya that is encouraged, courtesy of American taxpayers, by the feckless World Bank ("Kenya and the World Bank ...
Africa: CAF Accept Kenya Involvement
AllAfrica.com, Washington - 3 hours ago
The Confederation of African Football has re-admitted Cecafa member states, Kenya and Eritrea into the newly introduced Africa Nations Championships ...
Kenya: Despite the Euphoria, Country is Not Out of the Woods Yet
AllAfrica.com, Washington - 5 hours ago
Confidence in Kenya as a reliable regional gateway has been severely dented. We have a lot to make up if we want to persuade these countries not to find ...
Kenya: Citizen Out to Conquer Canada
AllAfrica.com, Washington - 6 hours ago
Even though not much can be said about the gains of youth soccer development in Kenya, an occasional bright star tends to appear in the horizon every now ...
Kenya: Five Arrested Over Eldoret Church Deaths
AllAfrica.com, Washington - 6 hours agoThe victims, mostly women and children, were burnt alive after taking refuge in the Kenya Assemblies of God Church in Kiambaa, just outside Eldoret. ...
Kenya crackdown
Jamaica Gleaner, Jamaica - 7 hours agoThe army yesterday used heavy firepower to crack down on a group linked to bloody land clashes in western Kenya, local officials said, ...
New! Get the latest news on Kenya with Google Alerts.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Today's headlines - Mon 3/10/2008
Army offensive on Kenya militia
BBC News, UK - 1 hour ago
Kenya's army has launched a huge military operation targeting a militia which has killed some 500 people in a land dispute over the past 18 months. ...
Officials: Army Cracks Down in W. Kenya
The Associated Press
12 killed in western Kenya
Radio Netherlands
Kenya security forces attack land clash area
Reuters South Africa
The Canadian Press
all 137 news articles »
Daily Nation
Kenya: How Will Parties Harmonise Their Manifestos?
AllAfrica.com, Washington - 9 hours ago
Kenya National Bureau of Statistics data shows that inflation rose to 19.1 per cent in February from 18.2 per cent in January helped by high food and fuel ...
Kenya: Karua - No Amnesty for Those Who Broke Law
AllAfrica.com
Kenya: Raila Speaks On Plans And Expectations in Coalition
AllAfrica.com
Kenya: Kibaki, Raila Unite to Woo Investors
AllAfrica.com
AllAfrica.com - AllAfrica.comall 49 news articles »
Canada.com
Kenya's first steps to stability
Toronto Star, Canada - 10 hours ago
A crowd cheers upon news that Kenya's President Mwai Kibaki and opposition leader Raila Odinga signed an agreement after talks on power-sharing to end a ...
Power-sharing deal a new lease of life for Kenya
East African
Power-sharing: conflict or compromise?
BBC News
Kenya has a chance
Buffalo News
Times Online - Hindu
all 32 news articles »
S&P ups Kenya's outlook to stable on power-sharing pact
Reuters South Africa, South Africa - 5 hours ago
LONDON (Reuters) - Ratings agency Standard & Poor's (S&P) on Monday raised its outlook on Kenya, saying that the power-sharing agreement reached by the ...
Kenya's Credit Rating Outlook Raised to `Stable' by S&P
Bloomberg
Micron shares fall on S&P credit rating review
MarketWatch
Micron Tech on negative watch because of weak markets, high costs ...
ForbesForbes - Forbes
all 10 news articles » MU - PINK:PNCOF
AFP
Bush frees 4.9 million dollars in aid to Kenya, Uganda
AFP - 1 hour ago
WASHINGTON (AFP) — US President George W. Bush has freed up to 4.9 million dollars in emergency refugee aid for Kenya and Uganda in response to the ...
Kenya: Country Steps in to Calm Ugandan Manufacturers
AllAfrica.com, Washington - 5 hours ago
Manufacturers and business operators here could soon sigh with relative relief following a two day meeting between the Uganda and Kenya governments early ...
Kenya: Council Slaps New Charges On Imports
AllAfrica.com
Uganda: New Vessel for Cargo Transport On Lake Victoria
AllAfrica.com
all 4 news articles »
Kenya: Turning Global Goodwill Into Wealth
AllAfrica.com, Washington - 7 hours ago
Hope resumed in Kenya! Amidst pomp and honour, Annan flew out to leave Nigerian Oluyemi Odeniji to preside over discussion to the pending but softer agenda ...
Kenya: Envoy Says US Travel Advisories to Remain
AllAfrica.com
Kenya: Coalition Faces Public Service Appointments Test
AllAfrica.com
Kenya: It's Now Time to Reconcile, Says Raila
AllAfrica.com
AllAfrica.com
all 8 news articles »
AFP
Kenya: Kalonzo - We Are Ready to Rebuild Country
AllAfrica.com, Washington - 10 hours ago
The VP said Kenya's new dispensation had borrowed heavily from the Grand German Coalition and the country would be the first in Africa to adopt the system. ...
Kenya determined to make peace deal work: minister
AFP
VP appeals for assistance to rebuild Kenya
Kenya Broadcasting Corporation
Musyoka woos tourists
Kenya Broadcasting Corporation
PR-Inside.com (Pressemitteilung)
all 14 news articles »
African Stocks: Kenya Advances for Second Week; Nigeria Rises
Bloomberg - 1 hour ago
By Eric Ombok and Paul Okolo March 10 (Bloomberg) -- Kenya's main stock index gained for a second week, led by Kenya Airways Ltd. and TPS Eastern Africa ...
NBO:KQNA
Kenya: MPs Plot Resource Sharing
AllAfrica.com, Washington - 5 hours ago
Kenya's parliament's legislative menu, where the ball of reconciliation now shifts, will focus on economic empowerment, the recovery of fishing, ...
East Africa: Kenya Re-Loaded
AllAfrica.com
all 2 news articles »
New! Get the latest news on Kenya with Google Alerts.
BBC News, UK - 1 hour ago
Kenya's army has launched a huge military operation targeting a militia which has killed some 500 people in a land dispute over the past 18 months. ...
Officials: Army Cracks Down in W. Kenya
The Associated Press
12 killed in western Kenya
Radio Netherlands
Kenya security forces attack land clash area
Reuters South Africa
The Canadian Press
all 137 news articles »
Daily Nation
Kenya: How Will Parties Harmonise Their Manifestos?
AllAfrica.com, Washington - 9 hours ago
Kenya National Bureau of Statistics data shows that inflation rose to 19.1 per cent in February from 18.2 per cent in January helped by high food and fuel ...
Kenya: Karua - No Amnesty for Those Who Broke Law
AllAfrica.com
Kenya: Raila Speaks On Plans And Expectations in Coalition
AllAfrica.com
Kenya: Kibaki, Raila Unite to Woo Investors
AllAfrica.com
AllAfrica.com - AllAfrica.comall 49 news articles »
Canada.com
Kenya's first steps to stability
Toronto Star, Canada - 10 hours ago
A crowd cheers upon news that Kenya's President Mwai Kibaki and opposition leader Raila Odinga signed an agreement after talks on power-sharing to end a ...
Power-sharing deal a new lease of life for Kenya
East African
Power-sharing: conflict or compromise?
BBC News
Kenya has a chance
Buffalo News
Times Online - Hindu
all 32 news articles »
S&P ups Kenya's outlook to stable on power-sharing pact
Reuters South Africa, South Africa - 5 hours ago
LONDON (Reuters) - Ratings agency Standard & Poor's (S&P) on Monday raised its outlook on Kenya, saying that the power-sharing agreement reached by the ...
Kenya's Credit Rating Outlook Raised to `Stable' by S&P
Bloomberg
Micron shares fall on S&P credit rating review
MarketWatch
Micron Tech on negative watch because of weak markets, high costs ...
ForbesForbes - Forbes
all 10 news articles » MU - PINK:PNCOF
AFP
Bush frees 4.9 million dollars in aid to Kenya, Uganda
AFP - 1 hour ago
WASHINGTON (AFP) — US President George W. Bush has freed up to 4.9 million dollars in emergency refugee aid for Kenya and Uganda in response to the ...
Kenya: Country Steps in to Calm Ugandan Manufacturers
AllAfrica.com, Washington - 5 hours ago
Manufacturers and business operators here could soon sigh with relative relief following a two day meeting between the Uganda and Kenya governments early ...
Kenya: Council Slaps New Charges On Imports
AllAfrica.com
Uganda: New Vessel for Cargo Transport On Lake Victoria
AllAfrica.com
all 4 news articles »
Kenya: Turning Global Goodwill Into Wealth
AllAfrica.com, Washington - 7 hours ago
Hope resumed in Kenya! Amidst pomp and honour, Annan flew out to leave Nigerian Oluyemi Odeniji to preside over discussion to the pending but softer agenda ...
Kenya: Envoy Says US Travel Advisories to Remain
AllAfrica.com
Kenya: Coalition Faces Public Service Appointments Test
AllAfrica.com
Kenya: It's Now Time to Reconcile, Says Raila
AllAfrica.com
AllAfrica.com
all 8 news articles »
AFP
Kenya: Kalonzo - We Are Ready to Rebuild Country
AllAfrica.com, Washington - 10 hours ago
The VP said Kenya's new dispensation had borrowed heavily from the Grand German Coalition and the country would be the first in Africa to adopt the system. ...
Kenya determined to make peace deal work: minister
AFP
VP appeals for assistance to rebuild Kenya
Kenya Broadcasting Corporation
Musyoka woos tourists
Kenya Broadcasting Corporation
PR-Inside.com (Pressemitteilung)
all 14 news articles »
African Stocks: Kenya Advances for Second Week; Nigeria Rises
Bloomberg - 1 hour ago
By Eric Ombok and Paul Okolo March 10 (Bloomberg) -- Kenya's main stock index gained for a second week, led by Kenya Airways Ltd. and TPS Eastern Africa ...
NBO:KQNA
Kenya: MPs Plot Resource Sharing
AllAfrica.com, Washington - 5 hours ago
Kenya's parliament's legislative menu, where the ball of reconciliation now shifts, will focus on economic empowerment, the recovery of fishing, ...
East Africa: Kenya Re-Loaded
AllAfrica.com
all 2 news articles »
New! Get the latest news on Kenya with Google Alerts.
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