Hopes rise in Kenya as rivals meet

The two rivals at the center of Kenya’s bitter election dispute met Thursday and shook hands, offering a potential breakthrough in the violent political standoff that has crippled this East African nation.

In their first meeting since the disputed Dec. 27 presidential vote, President Mwai Kibaki and opposition leader Raila Odinga met with former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan for about an hour. Then they emerged from the presidential office side by side, smiling broadly and vowing to work together.

The sight of the men shaking hands drew shouts of joy and applause from onlookers. Hoping to ease the public’s growing anxiety, the government temporarily lifted its emergency ban on live television so broadcasters could cover the event.

“I felt such relief to see them shaking hands,” said Gladys Mumo, 32, standing outside the presidential compound in Nairobi. “We want peace. Our children aren’t going to school because of this fracas. As a mother, I see things moving in the right direction.”

Annan, who arrived in Kenya this week to mediate talks, joined Kibaki and Odinga in calling upon Kenyans to maintain peace and be patient while negotiations continue. The meeting marked a turning point in Kenya’s political crisis, but experts cautioned that tough issues still must be resolved in the coming days and weeks.

“This is a very encouraging development,” Annan said

Both Kibaki and Odinga claim to have won the presidential election. Kibaki, the incumbent, was declared the winner by the nation’s election commission, but international observers and local watchdog groups reported evidence of widespread tallying fraud.

The dispute set off nationwide riots and ethnic clashes that have killed more than 600 people, displaced 250,000 and cost Kenya an estimated $1 billion. The turmoil has devastated the economy and tarnished the country’s reputation as a model African democracy.

Kibaki expressed optimism that a resolution could be reached.

“I will personally lead our country in promoting unity, tolerance, peace and harmony among Kenyans,” he said.

But in his remarks, he did not acknowledge allegations of voter fraud and made it a point to emphasize the legitimacy of his presidency. When it was his turn to speak, aides quickly brought out a special podium with the government seal, and he referred to himself as Kenya’s “duly elected president.”

Odinga called upon his supporters to maintain calm.

“I ask everyone to be patient and uphold peace in the spirit of brotherhood that all of us have always believed in.”

But at a news conference Thursday evening, opposition leaders criticized Kibaki’s claim of being “duly elected,” saying the characterization undermined the peace negotiations.

Analysts said Thursday’s meeting was a good first step. Many believe that Kibaki and Odinga, who were political allies just five years ago, can reach a compromise if they negotiate in person. U.S. Ambassador Michael E. Ranneberger blamed “hard-liners” on both sides for keeping the men apart and sabotaging previous mediation efforts.

Odinga had refused to meet with Kibaki unless international observers were present. Their mutual animosity was apparent during parliament’s opening session this month, when the men did not greet each other and seemed to avoid eye contact.

Rhetoric in recent days had been rising. Kibaki allies have accused Odinga of orchestrating “genocide” against tribes that didn’t support him. Odinga, in turn, balked at negotiating with a rival he has labeled a “killer” and “thief.”

But both sides faced growing pressure to come to the negotiating table. Western donors have refused to recognize Kibaki’s presidency and have threatened sanctions. Meanwhile, many Kenyans are growing weary of Odinga’s calls for nationwide protests, which often erupt in violence.

Potential compromises that might arise from the talks include a coalition government or power-sharing arrangement.

Odinga suggested last week that he would accept a co-presidency or vice presidency as long as Kibaki agreed to a schedule of government reforms and clearly-delineated powers. Another option would be creating a prime minister position for Odinga.

Kibaki has indicated a willingness to form a coalition government, but has not offered details. He drew criticism from the United States and other Western governments Jan. 8 when he appointed a vice president and filled most of the key Cabinet positions, which opposition leaders took as a sign of bad faith.

In a nod to Annan, Odinga canceled plans for supporters to hold a demonstration Thursday. The government, which has declared opposition protests illegal, reiterated its position that peace talks could proceed only if the demonstrations end.

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edmund.sanders@latimes.com

Special correspondent Nicholas Soi contributed to this report.