KENYAN LEADERS have agreed to form a new cabinet as part of a power-sharing deal reached to end a political crisis after the disputed elections. President Mwai Kibaki will name ministers ending wrangles over the cabinet's make-up with the opposition Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) early next week. On Wednesday chief mediator Kofi Annan expressed concern over the slow pace at forming the grand coalition government. Some 1,500 people died after the opposition said the polls were rigged. Under the deal signed in February, Mr Kibaki and prime-minister designate Raila Odinga agreed to share cabinet positions on a 50-50 basis but differed on the size and sharing of the portfolios. Cabinet Addressing reporters after talks, Mr Odinga said they had agreed to formally announce the team on 6 April.

"We have agreed to announce the cabinet on Sunday and that the cabinet will be sworn in on Saturday," Mr Odinga said.

A statement from President Kibaki said both parties were pleased with the outcome of the discussions in the spirit of give and take.

The long consultations were necessary to enable there be an agreement that is amicable and good for the country, the statement added.

Civil society groups have called on the leaders to appoint a lean cabinet with untainted personalities.

Early this week, the activists lead by Nobel Prize winner Wangari Maathai were tear-gassed by police when they held a demonstration against proposals by President Kibaki to raise the cabinet positions from the present 34 to 44.

And Transparency International chairman Dr Richard Leakey warned that the continued delay in appointing the cabinet was creating room for corruption to thrive in government.