Kibaki and Raila in new deal

President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Wednesday appeared to bury the hatchet as they pledged to work together to end quarrels in the Grand Coalition Government.

The two met at Harambee House for nearly two hours a day after the President withdrew a list of nominees to four top government jobs, which the PM had opposed. (Read: Kibaki withdraws list of nominees)

The meeting started around 12.40pm and ended at around 2.30pm. The two were expected to discuss the nomination of a new Attorney-General.

Sources described it as “cordial” and that the President and the PM “clarified” many issues that were driving a wedge between them.

The meeting came as it emerged that Mr Odinga was to directly criticise the President at his Tuesday press conference, but was forced to change his written statement after the contentious list was withdrawn. (Read: What PM was to say before Kibaki address)

Mr Odinga had said he was not consulted in the nomination of Justice Alnashir Visram (Chief Justice), Prof Githu Muigai (Attorney-General), Mr Kioko Kilukumi (Director of Public Prosecutions) and Mr William Kirwa (Controller of Budget). (Read: Kibaki names new Chief Justice as ODM protests)

On Wednesday, the two principals are said to have agreed on “full and closer cooperation” in government. It was not clear who had accompanied the Prime Minister to the meeting as he left Harambee House in his vehicle.

National Accord

The President was escorted out by his private secretary, Prof Nick Wanjohi, and head of Civil Service Francis Muthaura.

A number of appointments to constitutional offices are lined up in the next few months as the Constitution stipulates that all new appointments have to be made by August 27 this year and that the President has to consult the Prime Minister in accordance with the National Accord.

A number of commissions are also to be put in place and most require that the President, with the authority of Parliament, appoint their chairpersons.

One of the key appointments is that of Central Bank Governor. The current holder’s first term ends next Friday. The appointing authority can choose to extend Mr Njuguna Ndungu’s tenure for another four years. (Read: Parliament directs Uhuru to issue statement over CBK governor)

Other key appointments coming up include that of the Inspector-General of the National Police Service and two deputies. The Inspector-General is to be appointed by the President with the approval of Parliament.

The Kenya Police Service and the Administration Police Service will each be headed by a Deputy Inspector-General appointed by the President with the recommendation of the National Police Service Commission.

The President is also required to make appointments to the National Police Service Commission. The Commission will consist of a person who is qualified to be appointed as a High Court Judge, two retired senior police officers and three civilians of high integrity.

Other upcoming appointments include the chairpersons and members to the National Land Commission, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, the Public Service Commission, the Salaries and Remuneration Commission and the National Police Service Commission.

Each commission shall consist of at least three, but not more than nine members. Their identification and their recommendation is to be prescribed in each of the respective legislations. They will then be approved by the National Assembly and appointed by the President.

The Constitution requires composition of the national executive to reflect the regional and ethnic diversity of the people of Kenya.

The same is required for the appointments on the command of the Defence Force, National Police Service, Commissions and Independent offices.

Constitutional Implementation Oversight Committee chairman Mohamed Abdikadir said Parliament would seek to safeguard the integrity of the hiring process.

However, he said competitive recruitment was not suitable for all the jobs but said inclusion of the youth and women was an indispensable requirement.

“Justice and Legal Affairs committee chairman Ababu Namwamba took a similar line: “The President and Prime Minister need to sustain unflinching fidelity to the new constitutional order, whose dawn they oversaw.

Their task will be made easier by honest, direct engagement instead of giving space to proxy duels between their respective aides most of whom are more interested in succession politics.”

Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Mutula Kilonzo said: “Article 10 of the Constitution requires public participation. Therefore, there must be competitive recruitment for all jobs. They must be advertised to give everyone an equal opportunity.”