January 26, 2001: A dramatic breakthrough in the Constitution review merger talks is announced. Agreement was reached in principle to merge the Parliamentary and Ufungamano teams considering Kenya’s new Constituion. Prof Yash Pal Ghai (right), brokered the deal, made the announcement after being formally being sworn in as chairman of the Constitutional Review Commission. He said he was “very pleased to announce the agreement in principle” which would bring together the rival review groups, He also paid tribute to the leaders of both sides in the talks: Mr. Raila Odinga for the Parliamentary team and the Rev Mutava Musyimi for the Ufungamano group. They had put the needs of the country before personal considerations, he said. He also thanked President Moi for his understanding and support. “Prof Ghai outlined key points of the deal at a Press conference shortly after he was formally sworn in by Chief Justice Bernard Chunga, in the presence of the Attorney-General Amos Wako, in the judges chambers.

Photo|Nation Syndication