Kenya's fragile power-sharing deal to end a bloody post-election crisis suffered a setback today as a row broke out over the role of prime minister in the proposed coalition government.
President Mwai Kibaki and his rival Raila Odinga signed the pact last month to end political turmoil which left at least 1,000 people dead and cost Kenya its reputation as one of Africa's most stable democracies.
The landmark deal will bring Mr Odinga into the government by creating a prime minister's post for him.
In a reminder of the tense ties between the two parties, Mr Odinga's Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) rejected a statement outlining the structure of the coalition by the head of the civil service, Francis Muthaura.
Critics said Mr Muthaura's statement appeared to downgrade the prime minister's role by saying the vice-president would remain the principal assistant of the president.
It also said the prime minister who will hold a ministerial portfolio would coordinate and supervise government functions under the authority of the president.
"The statement is causing alarm. It is mischievous. It could pose a threat to the accord," ODM spokesman Salim Lone said.
Parliament is due to meet tomorrow to debate legislation to pass the deal into law and amend Kenya's constitution to make the agreement legal.