Kenya government rejects Annan mediation in crisis

0 Comments | AFP, January, 2008

NAIROBI (AFP) — The Kenyan government on Monday rejected a mediation mission by former UN chief Kofi Annan to try to end political unrest and sent a stern warning to the opposition ahead of nationwide protests.

Two weeks after President Mwai Kibaki's contested re-election sparked violence that has left more than 700 dead, Annan was due in Nairobi on Tuesday, his office said.

But Kibaki's government again rejected international mediation of the crisis, which has also left a quarter of a million displaced.

"If Kofi Annan is coming, he is not coming at our invitation," Roads and Public Works Minister John Michuki, a hardline member of Kibaki's new cabinet, told reporters.

"We won the elections so we do not see the point for anyone coming to mediate...