Coalition squabbles could spark violence- Nyagah

Minister for Co-operative Development Joseph Nyagah. PHOTO/ CORRESPONDENT 

By OTIENO OWIDA   

Posted Sunday, February 13 2011 at 11:50

The push and pull between the coalition principals over appointments to key state jobs could lead to a throwback to the 2008 post-election violence, a cabinet minister has warned.

Co-operative Minister Joseph Nyagah raised the red flag over the degeneration of relations between President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga, which he said was brewing a similar atmosphere to the one that preceded the 2007 presidential general election.

"Kenyans should condemn these wrangles which have divided the country into two parallel lines. Kenyans should not allow politicians to divide them or else the country may break away,” said  Nyagah.

The minister took issue with the hard-line tactics adopted by the handlers of the two principals over the recent nominations for the positions of Chief Justice, Attorney General, Director of Public Prosecutions and Controller of budget.

“I condemn in the strongest terms possible those who surround the two principals for trying to create division between the two. These are the people causing the fights. Let us support them (the principals) for the sake of the country which must remain our number one priority.”

“It will be very unfortunate if Kenyans allow another round of violence. Politicians are out to get power oblivious of the consequences,” he said.

Nyaga made the remarks over the weekend during the launch of the Kabondo Sweet Potato Cooperative Society in Rachuonyo South district.