Kenyans Impatient Over Coalition Delay

The prolonged delay in the formation of a new coalition government is causing public anxiety and impatience.

IDPs at a camp in Eldoret, Rift Valley province, expressed disappointment with the delay, saying it was retarding their resettlement. Three area legislators, Joseph Lagat, Peris Simam, and Lucas Chepkitony, blamed the stalemate on hardliners in the governing PNU alliance, who they accused of attempting to condition ODM over its own cabinet nominees.

The executive director of Citizens Platform, Mr Raphael Livu, warned of a possible resurgence of violence if the deadlock is not handled responsively.
Meanwhile four legislators from the President’s native Central Province have implored Kenyans to allow the two principals more time. The MPs, Ephraim Maina, Mwangi Kiunjuri, Esther Murugi and Nemesyus Warungongo however described the delay as “worrying”, with Mr Maina criticizing the inclusion of serving ministers and ODM “Pentagon” members in the discussions, saying they were interested parties with potential to derail the negotiations.

Shirikisho Party of Kenya Vice-chairman, Mr John Safari Mumba said President Kibaki needed to make a “bold decision” instead of issuing official statements while allowing leaders from his party to make conflicting pronouncements.