Kenyan PM expresses confidence over coalition gov´t

Source: Xinhua | 04-18-2009 16:51

NAIROBI, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Friday expressed confidence that the Grand Coalition Government would hold and deliver the reforms if the spirit of frankness displayed at the Coalition talks today is sustained.

Speaking in Nairobi when he was receiving former British High Commissioner Adam Wood and current High Commissioner Robert Macaire in his offices, the prime minister said Kenya's Grand Coalition cannot afford to fail.

"The discussions were frank and I believe it will help. The meeting was very successful. We covered a lot of ground and after the talks today, we have opened way for discussions of issues as they arise in future," Odinga said.

The prime minister said the coalition has been going through "some bad patches, like an aeroplane going through turbulence in the air," but it will stabilize.

He said it took too long for the parties to agree that they needed a body to oversee the management of the coalition's affairs and that caused some strain.

The former High Commissioner said Britain is concerned about the Grand Coalition's readiness to tackle reforms, culture of impunity and economic crimes.

He said London is worried about statements that Kenya could degenerate into Rwanda-style full scale war next time if reforms are not pursued.