Kenyans seeking peace despair over rowdy parliament

By Katie Nguyen

NAIROBI (Reuters) - Kenyans despaired as their legislators used the first parliamentary sitting of the year to settle political scores rather than address post-election turmoil that has killed more than 600 people.

Just before Tuesday's session began, government and opposition lawmakers were seen chuckling and slapping each other on the back.

But once inside, they used the floor to trade blame -- apparently oblivious to demands for a swift end to the crisis over President Mwai Kibaki's disputed re-election that has hurt Kenya's democratic credentials and sparked ethnic killings.

"It's juvenile. Both sides are trying to outshine each other," said Bea Ochola, who opted to stay at home in case hostilities in parliament spilled over into the streets.

Seated alone, Kibaki watched the fiery exchanges a short distance away from his rival Raila Odinga, who was flanked by allies on opposition benches.

It was the first time the two men had come face to face since the December 27 vote which Odinga says was rigged to return Kibaki to power.

Within moments of being seated, opposition members of parliament accused the government of robbing them of victory.

In turn, Kibaki loyalists said they had been threatened with violence and intimidated by political opponents.