Kenya President offers unity govt, but Oppn says no

After a week of political violence and tribal clashes since the disputed December 27 election, Kibaki said he would accept a unity government “that would not only unite Kenyans but would also help in the healing and reconciliation process”.

But the Opposition said the offer changed nothing and only internationally mediated talks would end a crisis that has killed at least 300 people and forced 250,000 from their homes.

“My position has not changed. We want a negotiated settlement. Our starting point is that Kibaki is there illegally. He should not come to the negotiating table as the president,” Opposition leader Raila Odinga told reporters.

Kibaki’s office issued his offer after he met the top US Africa diplomat, Jendayi Frazer. President George W Bush had sent Frazer to Nairobi on Friday to try to help end the crisis.

“We know how governments of national unity operate. We have been there before with Kibaki. That is a way to cheat Kenyans of their rights,” Odinga said after meeting Frazer earlier.

Odinga helped Kibaki win power in a 2002 election but says the president broke a promise to award him a new prime minister’s position after the victory.