Kenya's foreign relations are set for a rocky time if Uhuru and Ruto win in the upcoming general elections, Kofi Annan has said. Speaking at a press conference at the Serena Hotel earlier today, Annan warned Kenyans that electing Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto would affect relations with other countries.

"There are implications that each and every one needs to ponder particularly when you are dealing with leadership...that also involves relationships with countries outside and beyond Africa." he said Annan urged Kenyans to respect the courts and to assist the ICC in accordance with the Rome Statute.

President Kibaki did not meet with Koffi Annan as scheduled during the press conference. Annan revealed that efforts to meet the President during the three day tour have been futile. He did however meet Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Chief Justice Willy Mutunga , Speaker Kenneth Marende and other groups.

Nine MPs allied to The National Alliance party had asked the Panel of Eminent persons to hold talks with all political parties. The MPs asked Annan to also meet with Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta, William Ruto, Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka and Martha Karua. "It will be unfair if they do not," said the MPs in a statement read by Igemebe South MP Mithika Linturi.

The MPs said that Koffi Annan and William Mpaka are only engaging with ODM and civil society groups. Annan is the chairman of the Panel of Eminent persons that spearheaded mediations between political parties during the post poll chaos in 2007 and 2008. He is on a four day visit of Kenya which began on Monday.
allAfrica