RAILA AND MUTHAURA SHARE A LIGHT MOMENT IN PUBLIC

DAILY NATION
By OLIVER MATHENGE
January 9 2009

Prime Minister Raila Odinga and head of public service Francis Muthaura on Friday appeared in public together for the first time since a row between them threatened the unity in the coalition Government.

The two were seated next to each other as the Government launched a new electronic service through which Kenyans can track their application of identification cards and passports.

But despite seating an arm’s length from each other, the two barely struck a conversation with the PM talking more with Public Service minister Dalmas Otieno.

However, the two shared a light moment before the event started. They laughed during the short conversation.

After the function began, the body language between the two displayed evident discomfort. But when it came to delivering their speeches, they acknowledged each other’s presence.

There has been an ongoing row between the PM’s office and that of Mr Muthaura over handling of inter-ministerial affairs.

The latest row involved the dissolution of the Electoral Commission of Kenya .

Mr Muthaura appointed a 38-member transition team that included former staff of the defunct electoral body.

Mr Odinga then ordered the closure of the offices until consultations had been done and a proper team instituted.

However, the Muthaura team defied the PM’s directive for a day before they gave in. This was one of the reasons the ODM parliamentary group resolved to take the matter for discussion by Cabinet.

On Friday, the two steered clear of their differences and snubbed the media as they left the Kenyatta International Conference Centre.

Mr Muthaura hurriedly walked to his vehicle accompanied by Government spokesman Alfred Mutua before the PM boarded his official car.