Deal brings hope that Kenya's dark chapter is over

Many Kenyans want a new charter to help resolve deep rifts over land, ethnicity and wealth that have plagued the nation since before its independence from Britain in 1963.

Kibaki has ordered parliament to meet next Thursday to pass a constitutional amendment to push through the changes.

The crisis erupted after Kibaki was sworn in on December 30 and Odinga claimed the election was rigged. Kibaki said he won fairly and blamed his rival for instigating violence and unrest instead of going to court to challenge the result.

(Additional reporting by Johannesburg bureau; editing by Andrew Roche)

(For in depth coverage on Reuters Africa Web site: here)