I have just read that Kibaki has appointed Musyoka, one of the losers of the presidential election, as vice president and named a cabinet. I find this attitude irresponsible for someone who is supposed to shortly meet Odinga to find an amicable and peaceful solution.

Kibaki’s nominations is like a provocation, like kerosene that he is pouring on the Kenyan fire. He is adding a crisis to another. He is closing some doors that were still open for peace and negotiation. I heard some analysts were suggesting to have Odinga as vice president and his supporters in the government for a sort of transitional period.

One reason Kibaki is appointing Musyoka as VP is that he is anticipating based on Odinga’s suggestions. The latter said another election should be shortly organised. By appointing Musyoka, Kibaki pulls him and his voters into his camp, which would assure his victory if ever new elections are to be organised.

Kibaki’s move is much more political calculation than any other thing. The question is now to know how Odinga will react to this.