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November 23, 2005
Kenya: President Kibaki Kicks Out His Government
Following the 74-year-old president's failure in his bid to change the constitution, which would have granted him extra powers, Mbai Kibaki has relied on his existing powers to do what Kenya's despotic leaders always do - he has dissolved his government, states Le Monde.
We reported earlier how the introduction of a mention of the Khadi courts, or Islamic courts in the first proposed constitutional draft caused some confusion, with Muslims supporting the change to the existing constitution, which has remained intact since independence in 1963, when former enemy of the UK, Jomu Kenyatta was made president. But then the clause about the Khadi courts was dropped, and many Muslims decided not to support Kibaki (pictured). However, some press reports said that the removal of the constitutional changes would actually protect these courts, which specialise in Sharia.
When he lost the referendum, it was predicted by some that the roads minister would be the first for Kibaki's chopping block, followed by about five other ministers who had not been supporting his proposals with 100% enthusiasm. But today's announcement exceeds those predictions.
Appearing on television he declared that the fifteen minister-government was disbanded "with immediate effect". He stated that he would be forming a new government to "serve better the needs of the people."
Opposition leaders, such as William Ruto agreed with the decision. "The referendum "had been about a vote of confidence or a vote against the president", he said. "He had to do what he has done".
"I think it is a wise decision, that he will give a chance to reconstruct the government", the (former) agriculture minister, Kipruto arap Kirwa stated. He had voted "yes" for change, believing it would have "brought to the cabinet a sense of collective responsibility."
There had been some violence in the campaign leading up to the referendum, in which at least eight people were killed.
Posted by Giraldus Cambrensis at November 23, 2005 9:02 PM
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