This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/africa/7811241.stm

The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
Crisis talks for Kenya coalition Crisis talks for Kenya coalition
(about 1 hour later)
The leaders of Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga's party are holding crisis talks amid complaints it is being sidelined by President Mwai Kibaki. Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga is holding crisis talks with the leaders of his party amid complaints he is being sidelined by the president.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) says it was not consulted over a new media law, among other major decisions. President Mwai Kibaki on Friday signed a controversial new media law opposed by Mr Odinga - one of several issues dividing the power-sharing partners.
Mr Odinga and Mr Kibaki agreed to share power last year to end clashes over disputed elections which left some 1,500 people dead. The pair agreed to work together last year to end clashes over disputed polls which left some 1,500 people dead.
Some Kenyans fear political bickering could lead to renewed violence.Some Kenyans fear political bickering could lead to renewed violence.
The BBC's Josphat Makori in Nairobi says tension has been brewing between the coalition partners for some time.The BBC's Josphat Makori in Nairobi says tension has been brewing between the coalition partners for some time.
But he says the political hornets' nest was really stirred up on Friday when President Kibaki approved a controversial media bill - reportedly against the wishes of Mr Odinga - which journalists say will muzzle the press. But he says the political hornets' nest was really stirred up on Friday when President Kibaki approved the media law, which journalists say will muzzle the press.
Many Kenyans have been rebuilding their lives after the clashes early last year which left more than 300,000 displaced. Mr Odinga had asked the president to reconsider the measures, after it was bitterly opposed by journalists.
Freedom fightersFreedom fighters
ODM parliamentary group secretary Ababu Namwamba told Kenya's Standard newspaper: "As partners in this coalition, we are asking for some respect." Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) parliamentary group secretary Ababu Namwamba told Kenya's Standard newspaper: "As partners in this coalition, we are asking for some respect."
Later in the week the party full leadership is expected to meet again in Nairobi to discuss the way forward on the National Accord. Parliament, where the ODM and its allies hold a slim majority, has approved the bill but correspondents say Mr Odinga's party changed its position following representations from journalist groups and media owners.
Mr Odinga is meeting the four most senior party officials on Monday and then later in the week the party's full leadership is expected to meet again in Nairobi to discuss the way forward on the National Accord.
Mwai Kibaki said the new media law would safeguard moral valuesMwai Kibaki said the new media law would safeguard moral values
That agreement, brokered by former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan in February 2008, paved the way for the ODM to share power with President Kibaki's Party of National Unity (PNU).That agreement, brokered by former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan in February 2008, paved the way for the ODM to share power with President Kibaki's Party of National Unity (PNU).
The ODM has been unhappy with recent decisions involving the constitution of an interim electoral commission - the original was disbanded after the disputed poll - and the appointment of ambassadors.The ODM has been unhappy with recent decisions involving the constitution of an interim electoral commission - the original was disbanded after the disputed poll - and the appointment of ambassadors.
Nobel laureate Wangari Maathai on Sunday criticised the president for signing the bill, saying he had turned his back against a media that had elevated him to the presidency.Nobel laureate Wangari Maathai on Sunday criticised the president for signing the bill, saying he had turned his back against a media that had elevated him to the presidency.
Kenyans would not surrender basic freedoms for which they had fought for many years, he said.Kenyans would not surrender basic freedoms for which they had fought for many years, he said.
The Kenyan Communications Amendment Bill gives the authorities the power to raid media offices, tap phones and control broadcast content on grounds of national security.The Kenyan Communications Amendment Bill gives the authorities the power to raid media offices, tap phones and control broadcast content on grounds of national security.
President Kibaki said on Friday that the bill was crucial for Kenya's economic development and would safeguard moral values.President Kibaki said on Friday that the bill was crucial for Kenya's economic development and would safeguard moral values.
Correspondents say the former British colony, which won independence in 1963, boasts one of the region's liveliest media scenes.Correspondents say the former British colony, which won independence in 1963, boasts one of the region's liveliest media scenes.