afrol News, 25 January - For peace loving Kenyans, there could be anything as important as watching their country's arch-political rivals - President Mwai Kibaki and the leader of Orange Democratic Movement Raila Odinga - holding peace talks auspices of the former UN chief Kofi Annan.

But Annan's mediation efforts apparently turned sour after the opposition accused the President of uttering remarks capable enough to undermine the negotiation process.

Immediately after the mediation at Harambee Avenue, Kibaki made remarks that he was duly elected President of Kenya and that the ongoing political unrest around the disputed Presidential results would be resolved under his terms and conditions, flaring tempers within ODM.

The party's leadership condemned the statement, accusing Kibaki of derailing the Annan-led mediation process.

“True to his fraudulent character, Mr. Mwai Kibaki abused the occasion by attempting to legitimize his usurpation of the Presidency,” ODM said, noting, “this was supposed to be an event to build good faith. Kibaki politicized it.”

Both Kibaki and Odinga agreed to give dialogue a chance in their efforts to settle the three weeks of political unrest, which had claimed close to 700 lives, displaced tens of thousands and seriously damaged the economy.

“I appeal to all Kenyans to remain calm and united as we seek for a solution through dialogue," President Kibaki said.

“I know that you are all deeply concerned about the loss of lives and of the destruction of property since I was sworn-in as the President. I will lead our country in restoring peace and harmony.”

"I said in the past and I repeat it today that we are ready to walk the extra mile to ensure peace," Odinga said. "Today we have taken the first vital step in resolving the electoral dispute.”

Kibaki assured his government's determination to trace the underlying causes of the post electoral events so that a healing process could start.

He said his government would protect lives, property and freedom of all Kenyans. He urged Kenyans to shun violence. "I am also confident that our unity will help us overcome the challenges,” Kibaki said, asking all displaced persons to return and rebuild their homes.

The ODM later expressed his party's readiness to take the long walk to peace and justice. "My team will spare no efforts to resolve this crisis in the spirit of brotherhood. We will work day and night,” he said.

“We said we are ready for talks, but there must be truth and justice. We have met President Kibaki and we will continue till we resolve this issue. We want peace in this country. I will not rest till we get peace and unity.”

Annan has appealed for calm and asked the respect for law and order. He said the two leaders had agreed to promote sustainable peace, but reports of bloody unrest in other parts of the country are disturbing.

He asked the government not to use excessive for to deal to tame violence.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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