President Kibaki holds talks with President Kufuor

President Mwai Kibaki and President John Kufuor of Ghana who is also the current Chairman of African Union on Wednesday held talks at State House, Nairobi where the Kenyan President briefed his counterpart on the current political development in the country.

The two leaders underscored the need for peace and harmony in the country and agreed that the Africa Union will continue to support its member countries to have sustainable peace as the cornerstone for regional peace and continental growth.

The Head of State assured President Kufuor that he had already initiated a process of dialogue with other Kenyan leaders to find sustainable solution to the current political situation in the country.

President Kibaki said his Government's first priority has been the restoration of peace especially in areas that had experienced some violence.

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.

On his part President Kufuor encouraged all Kenyan leaders to seek peaceful solution through dialogue and the relevant institutions to guarantee peace and stability for the country.

Meanwhile, in the last few days President Kibaki has dispatched Special Envoys to all leaders of the East African Community and IGAD countries. The President also sent an Envoy to deliver a special message to President Kufuor of Ghana who is also the current chair of the African Union.

The purpose of this important diplomatic initiative was to appraise the leaders of the region on the recent political developments in Kenya especially in the aftermath of the just concluded general elections where cases of violence and destruction of property have been witnessed in some parts of the country.

In his message, His Excellency the President reassured the leaders that the Government had taken all measures necessary to restore tranquility and security in the affected areas in the country, stressing that the Government would not relent in its solemn duty to guarantee the safety and well-being of all its citizens and foreigners alike.

Additionally, in order to hasten national healing, the President informed that he had embarked on consultations with all Kenyan leaders of goodwill aimed at promoting political dialogue and reconciliation - with a view to ensuring a united, stable and peaceful Kenya.

The regional leaders expressed appreciation for the information, which was extremely vital, more so given the manner in which the crisis in the country had been portrayed in the media.

They thanked the President for his determination and commitment to finding a political settlement through dialogue.

The leaders urged all Kenyans to uphold the rule of law and adhere to existing legal mechanisms in sorting out any differences.

They also acknowledged the urgent steps the Government had taken to restore peace and normalcy in the affected areas.

Noting that Kenya has been a pillar of democracy and stability in a volatile region, the leaders observed that any incidences of instability would have far-reaching ramifications for the entire region; both politically and economically.

The leaders therefore assured the President of their full support and expressed solidarity with the Kenyan people in their endeavours to restore normalcy in the country.