afrol News, 11 January - The latest burning of six homes in fresh political violence in Western region and the main opposition party’s announcement to return to protest clearly indicate that Kenya's looming political unrest is far from over.

The burning followed political clashes between the rival Kisii and Kelenjin tribesmen supporting of President Kibaki and his main challenger, Raila Odinga.

The police commander in Nyanza province confirmed the arrest of some suspects. Grace Kaindi said many people have been fleeing the high tension, prompting the police to deploy more officers to bring sanity.

Kenya had been deadlocked on political unrest since the declaration of President Kibaki as the winner of the controversial election on 30 December.

But Raila Odinga's Orange Democratic Movement has cried foul, protesting against vote rigging against the party's leader.

At least 600 people have been killed in the unrest while tens of thousands displaced.

International diplomatic efforts to woo the two sides to peace is yet to yield positive results. African Union Chairman, President John Kufuor of Ghana spent two days in the Kenyan capital Nairobi mediating the crisis.

Kufuor, who had failed to end the deadlock, said both sides had agreed to work with an African team led by the former United Nations Secretary General, Kofi Annan. The team is expected in Nairobi next week.

A statement issued by Kufour's office said the two sides reached an "accord for the immediate cessation of the violence and any action capable of compromising the search for a peaceful solution to the crisis.

“The parties have agreed to pursue dialogue under the auspices of the AU and to work together with a group of African personalities directed by Kofi Annan."

It remains to be seen how a Kenyan crisis can be solved when the two leaders [Kibaki and Odinga] cannot meet for a dialogue.

It is against this background that diplomatic pressures have been piled on the ODM leader to sit and talk with President Kibaki so as to nail the unrest.

Kenya's main opposition party will resume mass protests after last month's disputed elections, its spokesman says.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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