Annan Urges Faster Reforms in Kenya

Former United Nationals Secretary-General Kofi Annan has called on Kenya to speed up reforms promised after post-election violence in early 2008. At the start of a three-day visit, he said Kenyans expected more from the coalition government. Yesterday, Mr Annan met Kenya�s President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga. He brought the men together in a peace deal last year to end violence in which more than 1,300 people died. As part of the deal, politicians promised to carry out major reforms in the judiciary and the police force, as well as electoral and land reform. Mr Annan, who was instrumental in pulling Kenya back from the brink of civil war, made it clear than so far the pace of reform had been too slow. He said the people of Kenya expected more concrete action to end impunity for the perpetrators of violence and to combat corruption. Mr Annan said despite the slow progress, the much-needed reforms were still possible. He said it was vital that the reforms were carried out well ahead of elections in 2012. After meeting President Kibaki and Mr Odinga on Monday, Mr Anna will hold talks with civic groups and business leaders.