Fri, 25 Jan 2008 06:42:28 -0800 (PST)



   Ghanaian Chief mediator in Kenya Kofi Annan is stepping up his efforts to end the political quagmire that has rocked the country following a meeting today with ECK chairman Samuel Kivuitu

   Annan met with religious leaders early in the morning and is scheduled to meet former president Moi later today in the evening.

   His breakthrough was yesterday when he was able to bring together Hon Raila Odinga and Mwai Kibaki to a face to face 45 minutes meeting at the presidents Harambee house office.Though the details of the meetings continue to remain scanty as it is a volatile matter than can easikly be misinterpreted by the polarised media.

   Both Raila and Kibaki urged their supporters to remain calm as they find a solution.

   However, the president blundered when he reffered to himself as the duly elected president which called for immediate reaction from ODM secretary Anyang Nyong'o who termed the remarks as ''words that show the presidents lack of seriuosness in the mediation exercise.''

   On the other hand, Kofi Annan said during a meeting with church leaders today that the process expects that both parties watch what they say carefully as it is of essence in the talks.

   This was the first time that the Hon Mwai Kibaki made a visit to harambee house office since 2002.

   During the meeting it was observed that not even the newly established reconcilliation team was allowed to enter the meeting as it was a three man affair.


In other news, Annan is also to meet with Wangari Maathai after meeting with former President Moi.