RAILA ADVISES CAMERON ON COALITION

LONDON, May 28 - Prime Minister Raila Odinga has met British Premier David Cameron at Downing Street, London, effectively becoming the first African leader to meet the newly crowned PM.

Mr Cameron, who has formed a coalition government with the Liberal Democrats, said he is keen to learn from Kenya on running coalition governments.

Mr Odinga advised him that constant consultations were the answer to creating a stable coalition.

The Kenyan PM told his British counterpart that his biggest trouble would probably come from members of his own party, who might feel left out of key positions as a result of the power sharing arrangement.

Mr Odinga congratulated Mr Cameron on his appointment as Prime Minister and briefed him on developments in Kenya, particularly the Constitution review process and the upcoming referendum on the new constitution.

The Kenyan Premier said the Grand Coalition government is determined to deliver a strong Yes vote at the referendum and bring to an end Kenya’s long search for a new Constitution.

On his part Mr Cameron pledged support for the review process and said he remains committed to the UK's strong partnership with Kenya. He said his government will support vigorous political and economic reform in Kenya while strengthening the ties that have existed between the two countries.

He also welcomed Kenya's cooperation in confronting the threat of piracy off the coast of Somalia.

The two leaders also discussed the importance of the France/Africa Summit taking place next week.

Mr Odinga later held discussions with Mr Henry Bellingham, the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Office responsible for Africa and Mr Stephen O’Brien, the Minister for International Affairs.

The PM is in the UK for the launch of the Africa-UK Engineering for Development Partnership at the Royal Academy of Engineering.