Kenya 'close' to a peace deal

Hopes of a political settlement to end Kenya’s violent post-election crisis rose today after reports that the two main opponents were on the verge of announcing a deal.

Officials involved in mediating between President Mwai Kibaki and rival Raila Odinga said the details could be revealed as early as tomorrow as the two sides have “largely agreed” on a new government structure.

“I am beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel,” former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, who is leading the talks, said in a statement.

The disputed December election of Mr Kibaki, which foreign and local observers say was rigged, gave him a second five-year term after Mr Odinga’s lead evaporated overnight. The controversy has stirred up grievances over land and poverty that have bedevilled Kenya since independence in 1963.

More than 1,000 people have been killed in weeks of violence.

Mutula Kilonzo, a top government negotiator, said the two sides will “finish work, particularly on Agenda 3, by tomorrow.” Agenda 3 refers to resolving the political crisis stemming from the election.

According to a statement from Mr Annan’s office, the two sides “outlined a joint proposal, that had been largely agreed, on the governance structure.” The two sides will resume talks tomorrow.

Kenya’s opposition yesterday threatened mass protests unless serious work to put power-sharing into the constitution starts within a week – the latest sign the country remains delicately balanced on the edge of violence despite weeks of peace talks.