CHRONOLOGY: Kenya in crisis after disputed elections

Thu Feb 21, 2008 11:21am EST
 
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(Reuters) - Kenya's government said on Thursday it agreed in principle to creating a prime minister's post demanded by the opposition, a possible breakthrough in talks to end a post-election crisis that has left at least 1,000 dead.

Here is a chronology since December 27 presidential and parliamentary elections.

Dec 30, 2007 - Electoral Commission declares President Mwai Kibaki re-elected and he is hurriedly sworn in. Riots erupt as opposition leader Raila Odinga says the vote was stolen.

Jan 4 - Kibaki says he will accept an election re-run if a court orders it. The next day, he says he is ready to form a government of national unity. The opposition rejects the offer.

Jan 8 - Kibaki announces 17 ministers for his new cabinet. Protesters burn barricades in response.

Jan 15 - Parliament is convened. The opposition, which won a majority of seats, takes the post of speaker.

Jan 24 - Former U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan, mediating in the crisis, brings Kibaki and Odinga together for their first meeting since the crisis began.

Jan 28 - Opposition legislator Melitus Were is shot dead outside his home in Nairobi, triggering more rioting and ethnic killings.

Feb 5 - Red Cross says the death toll from Kenya's bloodletting has risen to at least 1,000.

Feb 16 - U.S. President George W. Bush, on a visit to Africa, throws his weight behind a power sharing deal for Kenya.

Feb 21 - The government says it has agreed in principle to creating a prime minister's post demanded by the opposition.

 
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