Kenyans seeking peace despair over rowdy parliament

By Katie Nguyen

NAIROBI (Reuters) - Kenyans despaired as their legislators used the first parliamentary sitting of the year to settle political scores rather than address post-election turmoil that has killed more than 600 people.

Just before Tuesday's session began, government and opposition lawmakers were seen chuckling and slapping each other on the back.

But once inside, they used the floor to trade blame -- apparently oblivious to demands for a swift end to the crisis over President Mwai Kibaki's disputed re-election that has hurt Kenya's democratic credentials and sparked ethnic killings.

"It's juvenile. Both sides are trying to outshine each other," said Bea Ochola, who opted to stay at home in case hostilities in parliament spilled over into the streets.

Seated alone, Kibaki watched the fiery exchanges a short distance away from his rival Raila Odinga, who was flanked by allies on opposition benches.

It was the first time the two men had come face to face since the December 27 vote which Odinga says was rigged to return Kibaki to power.

Within moments of being seated, opposition members of parliament accused the government of robbing them of victory.

In turn, Kibaki loyalists said they had been threatened with violence and intimidated by political opponents.

Acrimony turned to laughter when a Kibaki hardliner -- Roads and Public Works Minister John Michuki -- wagged his finger at opponents who hissed as he cast his vote.

Watching the televised session, Kenyans were exasperated but not surprised by the drama. Many say it was typical of a political elite that watched slums burn and farmers flee their homes from the comfort their gated compounds.

"They are busy fighting each other instead of bringing peace. Shame on them!" said Elizabeth, a beautician who shut up shop early fearing more trouble.

"Can they not see we Kenyans are suffering?"

Analysts say Kibaki may try to keep parliamentary sessions to a minimum, given that his Party of National Unity (PNU) holds a minority in the assembly with 43 seats compared to 99 won by Odinga's Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

Members of parliament have long been viewed as greedy, selfish and lazy by their constituents. In 2003, they quadrupled their salaries as the first order of business.

From then on, they rarely raised a quorum of 30 out of 222 MPs -- except when their own salaries were up for debate.