Kibaki broadens Kivutha role

Prof Kivutha Kibwana (left) and Cabinet Secretary Francis Muthaura face the House committees on Justice and Legal Affairs and the Finance and Planning on February 9, 2011. Photo/TOM MARUKO

President Kibaki has expanded the mandate of one of his key advisors, Prof Kivutha Kibwana.

A brief statement from the Presidential Press Service said Prof Kibwana will now also be responsible for parliamentary and youth affairs.

"Prof Kivutha Kibwana who has been serving as advisor on the constitution review has been re-designated and his duties will now carry additional responsibilities," said PPS.

The statement added that Prof Kibwana will now serve as "advisor, constitutional, parliamentary and youth Affairs in the Office of the President".

He has been the presidential advisor on constitutional affairs since the appointment of the grand coalition government in 2008 following a peace deal between President Kibaki and leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Raila Odinga.

The brokered by former UN secretary general Kofi Annan saw Mr Odinga being appointed the Prime Minister.

Prof Kibwana served as a minister in President Kibaki's Cabinet prior to the disputed 2007 general election that left 1,300 killed and over 600,000 displaced.

He was appointed together with his former Cabinet colleague Raphael Tuju who was named advisor on media.