The talks that appear structured offer a road map for peace with both short term and long term solutions. The talks are expected to address the current political impasse within four weeks and within the next year the talks will deal with past inequalities and strengthening of democracy through institutions of governance and eradicate tribalism and ethnicity.

In his keynote address, the former UN boss expressed great concern over the continued wave of violence and ethnic cleansing that has targeted the poor.

Annan spoke as violent scenes were reported in various towns across the country. In Naivasha, the military was forced to fire from an helicopter gunship at a group of protesters who were torching houses.

"The leaders of Kenya have a responsibility to unite Kenyans and bring to an end this senseless killing. People have to be united along the foundations of nationhood as well as deal with the past problems that have proved to be a challenge to Kenya", Annan said.

In Nairobi police engaged in running battles with protesters who were mourning the murder of Embakasi legislator Mugabe Were who was gunned down by gunmen early Tuesday.

Topping the agenda of the mediation is bringing an end to the current violence and restore law and order.

opposition leader Raila Odinga promised to remain committed to the talks but warned that the election dispute that has been the cause of misery must be resolved.

Raila Odinga said that his ODM party will work to resolved the current political impasse.

"We affirm our commitment to seeking a peaceful solution to the current problems that our nation faces. However, there will be no peace without justice". He said.

Raila also observed a minute of silence in remembrance of the slain MP before accusing the Government of assassinating him.

"We have witnessed similar killings that have not been investigated. The murder of Were can be compared to the assassination of Tom Mboya, JM Kariuki, Robert Ouko and Guatama Pinto whose deaths were never resolved. We will continue to treat this as yet another assassination. Were's blood will not be in vain", said Raila.

President Kibaki has also send a message of condolence to family of the slain legislator. In his speech, the President expressed shock over the killing of Were.

Meanwhile the UN has dispatched a team of investigators to investigate the killings of over 1000 people in the on-going violence.

The News-York based Amnesty International has accused the police of engaging in extra-judicial executions and has demanded for speedy investigations into the alleged 'shoot-to-kill' policy that the police have been enforcing.


See videos on post-election Kenya and on the whole election coverage
See the Kenya Protest - Day One photo gallery
See The Kenya Protest - Day Two photo gallery
See the Nakuru displaced photo gallery
See the burial of violence victim photo gallery


Keywords: kenya_elections