Their bickering and accusations after disputed elections led to nationwide violence and threatened the future of what was one of Africa's most stable nations.
But now Kenya's rival political leaders have made up and agreed to share power.
President Mwai Kibaki has unveiled a cabinet of ministers from both sides of the political divide.
The man who stood against him, Raila Odinga will be the new prime minister.
Al Jazeera's Yvonne Ndege reports.
Nyasa Times "Minister of Women and Child Development Kate Kainja-Kaluluma has passed away in United Kingdom. “Indeed Hon Kate Kainja Kaluluma has died,” confirmed family friends in London. The 57-year-old minister was admitted to a North England hospital – York Hospital. Diplomatic sources at Malawi High Commission in London have said arrangements are being made to send her remains to Malawi. Kainja who was Dedza South West Constituency parliamentarian flew to United Kingdom for medical attention after a long-illness. She is survived by a husband, Emanuel Kaluluma and three children."