New Kenya cabinet members rejected by opposition

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Source: CCTV.com | 01-09-2008 09:16

Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki has announced the appointment of new members to his cabinet. But no members from the main opposition party -- the Orange Democratic Movement -- were appointed.

Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki has announced the  appointment of new members to his cabinet.(CCTV.com)

Meanwhile, the opposition party has dismissed the new cabinet. Pei Jian has the latest on the story.

President Mwai Kibaki appointed 17 new cabinet members. He gave no portfolios to the opposition party.

Kibaki announced his appointments during a national TV address on Tuesday afternoon. He also emphasized the importance of national unity.

Mwai Kibaki, Kenyan President, said, "In forming the Cabinet, I have considered the importance of keeping the country united, peaceful and prosperous under a strong, broad-based leadership."

Kibaki's announcement was immediately rejected by the main opposition party, the Orange Democratic Movement. ODM says they will not recognize the new cabinet.

Kibaki's announcement was immediately rejected by  the main opposition party, the Orange Democratic  Movement..(CCTV.com)

Also on Tuesday, African Union Chairman and Ghanaian President John Kufuor arrived in Nairobi to mediate between the Kenyan president and the ODM opposition leader.

Kibaki have expressed his desire to hold talks with opposition leader Raila Odinga to solve the election dispute. Kibaki insists the impasse is an internal matter and does not need international mediation.

The violence following last month's disputed election has caused disturbances across Kenya, leaving nearly 500 people dead.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei