By Xinhua
Nairobi : Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki has named a 17-member cabinet, as mediation efforts in the violence-wracked country are due to be spearheaded by African Union Chairman John Kufuor here this week.
A statement from President Kibaki’s office Tuesday said Kibaki has appointed former foreign affairs minister Kalonzo Musyoka as the vice president.
Musyoka of the Orange Democratic Movement Party-Kenya (ODM-K) contested the just concluded elections and came third after President Mwai Kibaki and opposition leader Raila Odinga of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
“I am pleased to announce part of my cabinet. In forming the cabinet, I have considered the importance of keeping the country united, peaceful and prosperous under a strong, broad-based leadership,” Kibaki said in a televised address to the nation.
Kibaki moved former education minister George Saitoti to the national security ministry, replacing John Michuki who was moved to roads and public works.
Former leader of the official opposition Uhuru Kenyatta was named local government minister, former health minister Sam Ongeri is the new education minister, while an assistant minister for foreign affairs Moses Wetangula was elevated to become full minister.
Other ministers include Yusuf Hajji (Defence), Naomi Shaban (Special Programmes), Asman Kamama (Public Service), Amos Kimunya (Finance), Samuel Poghisio (Information and Communications), John Munyes (Water and Irrigation), Kiraitu Murungi (Energy), Noah Wekesa (Science and Technology), Martha Karua (Justice and Constitutional Affairs), Wilfred Machage (East African Community) and Chirau Ali Mwakwere (Transport).
President Kibaki Saturday invited Odinga to hold their first face-to-face talks since the Dec 28 elections.
Opposition leader Odinga has said he would only hold direct talks with President Kibaki if Kufuor mediated or under international mediation.
Some 486 people have been killed while some 250,000 people have fled their homes in clashes between rival political supporters, ethnic groups and the police since the poll, which has been widely criticised for alleged rigging.