This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/africa/7180355.stm

The article has changed 8 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
Kufuor extends mission to Kenya Kibaki swears in Kenyan cabinet
(about 1 hour later)
Ghanaian President John Kufuor, head of the African Union, has extended his mediation mission in Kenya by a day. Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki has sworn in members of his new cabinet two weeks after his disputed re-election which led to widespread violence.
On Wednesday, Mr Kufuor held separate talks with President Mwai Kibaki and opposition leader Raila Odinga. Most key ministerial portfolios have been assigned to Mr Kibaki's allies, but many other posts remain unfilled.
Mr Kibaki wanted to reach out to opponents now the violence had subsided, a spokesman said. Mr Odinga described the talks as "fruitful". Ghanaian President John Kufuor, four African ex-presidents and a senior US envoy hope to broker a political deal.
Meanwhile, police have fired tear gas in clashes with about 100 women in an election protest in Nairobi. Earlier, police fired tear gas in clashes with about 100 women in an election protest in Nairobi.
"No peace, no justice. Kibaki is a thief," chanted members of the women's wing of the main opposition Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), reports the AP news agency.
About 600 people have died in unrest which followed the disputed poll.About 600 people have died in unrest which followed the disputed poll.
In addition to those killed, some 250,000 are feared displaced by the violence following the 27 December election in Kenya - previously seen as a relative beacon of stability in East Africa.In addition to those killed, some 250,000 are feared displaced by the violence following the 27 December election in Kenya - previously seen as a relative beacon of stability in East Africa.
No job offers
ODM leader Raila Odinga has been having talks with the international mediators, says the AFP news agency.
Mr Kibaki swore in 17 new ministers, including Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka, who himself came third in the election.
Displaced Kenyans tell of their fear to return homeIn picturesDisplaced Kenyans tell of their fear to return homeIn pictures
Mr Kufuor arrived in Kenya on Tuesday, but despite meeting the leaders of both sides has so far not managed to get them to agree to direct talks. Mr Kibaki has spoken of creating a broad-based government, but Mr Odinga has rejected direct talks unless they are led by international mediators.
Only minor posts remain vacant.
But Mr Odinga has in any case refused to recognise the cabinet or participate in a government of national unity.
Mr Kufuor, who also heads the African Union, has extended his mediation mission by a day after holding separate talks with government and opposition leaders on Wednesday.
But despite meeting the leaders of both sides has not yet managed to get them to agree to direct talks.
On Wednesday Mr Odinga refused talks proposed by Mr Kibaki, calling the offer "public relations gimmickry" that sought to divert attention from international efforts to broker a solution.On Wednesday Mr Odinga refused talks proposed by Mr Kibaki, calling the offer "public relations gimmickry" that sought to divert attention from international efforts to broker a solution.
Mr Odinga has also repeatedly said he will not join a government of national unity.
CompensationCompensation
After meeting Mr Kufuor, Mr Kibaki's office issued a statement, saying he had assured Mr Kufuor he was initiating dialogue.After meeting Mr Kufuor, Mr Kibaki's office issued a statement, saying he had assured Mr Kufuor he was initiating dialogue.
"Now that peace was returning to these parts, his partially formed government would continue to reach out to Kenyan leaders who would also be encouraged to play their role in preaching peace among their followers," the statement said.
The violence has forced thousands of Kenyans into campsThe violence has forced thousands of Kenyans into camps
The BBC's Josphat Makori in Nairobi reports that the mediation efforts have been generally welcomed by the public - who feel Mr Kufuor's visit will bring the calm needed for talks - but that there is widespread conviction that a home-grown solution is needed. "Now that peace was returning to these parts, his partially formed government would continue to reach out to Kenyan leaders who would also be encouraged to play their role in preaching peace among their followers," the statement said.
Mr Odinga's Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has said that it does not recognise the new cabinet announced on Tuesday by Mr Kibaki. The BBC's Josphat Makori in Nairobi reports that the mediation efforts have been generally welcomed by the public, who feel Mr Kufuor's visit will bring the calm needed for talks.
Mr Kibaki says there is room for members of the opposition in his new cabinet - currently dominated by members of his Party of National Unity (PNU), but until now only partially filled. But there is a widespread conviction that a home-grown solution is needed, our correspondent says.
"When my government is fully constituted as a result of dialogue, it will be broad-based and represent the will of the people of Kenya," he said.
Earlier, he visited some of those displaced by the violence in the western town of Eldoret.
He promised to bring those responsible for the violence to justice - and said the victims of would be compensated and helped to rebuild their houses.