PNU retains plum ministries

Despite the stalemate that brought Kenya to the brink of more violence, PNU retained the ministries that had driven ODM from the negotiation table.

Cabinet ministers, Prof George Saitoti, Mr Amos Kimunya, Ms Martha Karua, Mr Moses Wetangula, Mr Chirau Ali Mwakwere and Mr Kiraitu Murungi, retained their dockets.
Kanu chairman, Mr Uhuru Kenyatta, who was previously in charge of the Local Government portfolio, was elevated to deputy Prime Minister.

Uhuru’s loss was compensated with the Trade docket after another newly crowned deputy premier, Mr Musalia Mudavadi, took his portfolio.

Defence remained with Mr Yusuf Haji, while Internal Security was left in the hands of Saitoti, the Kajiado North MP. The Finance ministry remained with Kimunya, with Karua retaining the Justice and Constitutional Affairs ministry. Mwakwere also retained the Transport ministry.

After the power-sharing deal collapsed, squabbling over the five ministries was cited as one of the main reasons.

As he walked out of the negotiations, Raila explained he had agreed to cede some of the most crucial ministries — such as Finance, Internal Security, Justice and Constitutional affairs.
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The Standard:
Story by Amos Kareithi
Published on April 14, 2008,