Ban Ki-moon in Nairobi to aid Kenya mediation talks
Friday, 01 Feb 2008 14:51
Ban Ki-moon heads to Kenya
In Focus
Kenyan prime minister Raila Odinga is at pains to insist his partnership with president Mwai Kibaki is one of "good faith" – but just how sincere is he being? Full Story
UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon has arrived in Kenya to help mediation efforts led by his predecessor.
Kofi Annan's team have been working with president Mwai Kibaki and opposition leader Raila Odinga since reconciliation talks began on Tuesday.
Mr Odinga's Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party disputes the December 27th election which saw Mr Kibaki win a second five-year term in power.
Protests against the government have been forcefully put down but over 850 people have died in violent clashes across the country since then.
Speaking from the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa, where the
African Union has been holding a summit, Mr Ban described the "death and destruction" as having been "appalling".
"If political leaders fail to act responsibly in the interests of all Kenyan people, the situation could escalate beyond control," he warned.
Mr Ban is due to meet with Mr Odinga, civil society leaders and visit his UN staff, having already met with Mr Kibaki in Addis Ababa.
He predicted "long-term solutions" would be required once the short-term ending of the violence is achieved.
"There are issues of constitutional reform, electoral reform process and land reform. Political and civic community leaders, elders and all Kenyans should be able to discuss these issues for the future of their country," he added.