Focus on mediation for peace in Kenya

The top US envoy to Africa, Jendayi Frazer has described the forced removal of people from Kenya's Rift Valley after last month's disputed presidential poll as ethnic cleansing. She also denounced the continuing violence which has since forced thousands to flee their homes.She urged President Mwai Kibaki and opposition leader Raila Odinga to focus on mediation efforts to end the crisis.Formal negotiations between the two parties are due to begin on Wednesday. But unconfirmed reports in the Kenyan media say the talks, brokered by former UN chief Kofi Annan, have now been delayed until Thursday because neither side can agree on an agenda.Up to 900 people have died as violence has spread since the presidential poll, which the opposition claims was rigged.At least nine people were killed in outbreaks of violence throughout the country on Tuesday, following the killing of Mugabe Ware, an MP from Mr Odinga's Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).Meanwhile, Kenyan Foreign Minister Moses Wetangula has said Mr Kibaki will attend the African Union summit on Thursday, dismissing suggestions that there are more pressing issues for him to attend to at home.