Kenya mediation talks fail
Kofi Annan is to step in to mediate between the feuding parties.
But an agreement to “an immediate cessation of violence as well as any acts which may be detrimental to finding a peaceful solution to the ongoing crisis” was made on Thursday between Kibaki and Odinga.
New mediator
The continued deadlock has resulted in the appointment of Kofi Annan, the former UN secretary-general, to take over from Kufour in the mediation effort.
Kufuor said as he left the country after three days: “The parties agreed to work together with a panel of eminent African personalities headed by Kofi Annan … towards resolving their differences and all other outstanding issues including constitutional and electoral reforms.”
Meanwhile, Kibaki swore in 17 cabinet ministers, despite criticism of his decision to name a partial new cabinet in the middle of a political crisis.
He said: “The situation is tense, and it is uncertain as to how things will turn out, considering that the deadlock continues.
“The situation is relatively calm, but sporadic violence in certain areas may worsen.”
Continued violence
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The UN says 250,000 Kenyans have been displaced by post-election violence, and aid groups have warned of a potential health emergency in makeshift camps in schools, hospitals and churches in the Rift Valley region of western Kenya, as well as Nairobi’s slums.
At least 24 tonnes of blankets and soap intended for refugees from Somalia have been used to help displaced Kenyans, the UN said.
As diplomatic activity continues in Nairobi, Kenyan police fired tear gas to disperse more than 100 female opposition supporters marching towards a church in the capital, Nairobi.
David Kerini, a police commander, said: “They had not notified police about the demonstration.
“We asked them to disperse peacefully, which they refused and we were forced to fire tear gas.”
Jacqueline Oduol, the chairman of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) women’s league, said: “We are calling for truth about what happened to our votes and the votes of Kenyans.”
Electoral commission accused
Meanwhile, Kenyans for Peace with Truth and Justice, an umbrella of civil society groups formed after the elections, presented a list of alleged charges to police against electoral commissioners and some staff.
At least 500 people have been killed in ethnic and tribal clashes [AFP] |
The charges include forgery, subverting the rule of law, making out false certificates and the abuse of office.