Kenyans rejoice at coalition deal

February 28, 2008

The Kenyan people rejoiced as they witnessed the public signing of a political deal between the government and the opposition on February 28. It is hoped that this deal between President Mwai Kibaki and opposition leader Raila Odinga will end two months of violence and political uncertainty in the country.

The deal will create a coalition government with both parties sharing power equally. In addition, the post of prime minister has been created and will be reserved for the party with parliamentary majority.

World Vision’s vice president for Africa escribed the deal as “an incredible outcome”.
“ We need to continue to support programs that address injustices, inequality, and governance that led to divisions among Kenyans, ” he said.

The government has promised to assist the 300,000 displaced people who are living in camps across the country as a result of post-election violence. These people are still in dire need of resettlement assistance.

The deal also will assist the people of Kenya as they start the healing process and it paves the way for long-term peace building and economic empowerment programming.

" We are happy that the two leaders have demonstrated willingness to work together and called on all Kenyans to emulate their example, " said World Vision's national director in Kenya. "We trust this will lead to a speedy recovery process and enable us to move on with our day-to-day program implementation activities."

The names of World Vision staff members have been removed from this article for security reasons.