Kenya leader 'dissolves' parties

Heightened wrangles threaten to split the coalition

Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki has said all the parties in his ruling Rainbow coalition have been "dissolved".

The president is apparently trying to end factional fighting among the 16 parties forming the Narc government - but could only worsen it.

The parties united at the behest of Kenyans to end the 24-year-rule of former President Daniel arap Moi.

Mr Kibaki did not specify which law was used to dissolve the political parties, and the statement may not be enforced.

Silent

The BBC's Caroline Karobia in Nairobi says the announcement could fuel more in-fighting in the already shaky alliance.

The announcement is seen as his attempt to end internal wrangles that have dogged the year-old coalition.

Following post-election disappointments, some members of the ruling coalition have fiercely vowed not to disband their parties.

One of the major parties in the coalition, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has been calling for the implementation of a pre-election pact that would introduce the post of an executive prime minister, for LDP leader Raila Odinga.

The premier's position - according to the party - will enhance power sharing within the coalition.

But the demands have been strongly opposed by other partners allied to President Kibaki.

The announcement is a surprise departure from the character Kenyans know of their president.

Our correspondent says despite the public confrontations between ministers he has repeatedly remained detached from the wrangles.

Lately politicians in support of the president's party NAK launched a campaign for his re-election for a second term in office.

The main coalition partner LDP has announced that Foreign Affairs Minister Kalonzo Musyoka will contest the presidency in the 2007 general elections.