ODM reads mischief into Muthuaura's comments

Kenya's fragile power-sharing deal to end a bloody post-election crisis suffered a setback on Monday as a row broke out over the role of prime minister in the proposed coalition government.

Critics said Muthaura's statement appeared to downgrade the prime minister's role by saying the vice-president would remain the principal assistant of the president.

ODM has reacted sharply to a statement by Head of Civil Service, Mr Francis Muthaura, on the power deal between President Kibaki and the party leader, Mr Raila Odinga.
In a statement read by former Cabinet minister, Dr Amukowa Anangwe, the party termed Muthaura’s interpretation of the accord as "mischievous and unacceptable and must be rejected by all Kenyans".
"Any statement clarifying, interpreting or explaining the content of the National Accord must be jointly released by the two principals — Kibaki and Raila," he added.

Politicians from the Mt Kenya region are jittery about the shape and form of the coalition government, and have petitioned Kibaki.

Sir Edward Clay says only time will prove the outcome of Kofi Annan's achievement in Kenya