Commonwealth Secretary-General Sharma in Kenya

Mr Sharma came from Uganda where he met President Yoweri Museveni, the Commonwealth Chairperson-in-Office, on 16 April.

Earlier this week, before departing London for his first overseas trip since he took office as Secretary-General, Mr Sharma welcomed the 13 April 2008 announcement of a power-sharing cabinet in Kenya between the Government and the Orange Democratic Movement.

“I applaud President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga for their statesmanship and agreeing to work together for the good of Kenya,” Mr Sharma said.

He added: “It is only through sustained leadership and political will at the top that the interest of the nation will be preserved. This spirit of co-operation will enable the country to tackle some of the challenges posed by the disputed December elections, including resettling thousands of people displaced, strengthening the structures and institutions of governance, and eventually reaching a consensus on a new constitution.”

Mr Sharma will also meet the Speaker of Parliament, Kenneth Marende and Foreign Minister Moses Wetangula.

In his discussions with the leaders, the Secretary-General will express support for the ongoing national dialogue and reconciliation process and offer Commonwealth assistance to deliver the necessary reforms.

Secretariat Links:

• Country Profile: Kenya