Statement from AU Panel of Eminent African Personalities around H.E. Kofi Annan’s visit to Kenya

The Chairman of the AU Panel of Eminent African Personalities, H.E. Kofi Annan, has concluded the first day of meetings of a three-day visit to Kenya.

This morning, Mr Annan met President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga, and Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka. In the afternoon, Mr Annan held a series of meetings with representatives from the Committee of Experts; the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission; and the Dialogue Team.

Mr Annan is visiting Kenya to assess the status of implementation of the agreements reached during the Kenya National Dialogue and Reconciliation (KNDR) process, particularly the reforms under Agenda Item Four.

A spokesperson for Mr Annan, Robert Watkinson, said: “Mr Annan welcomes the candid and constructive discussions he has held today with a range of stakeholders involved in the Kenyan reform process. Mr Annan has been encouraged by the commitment expressed by all his interlocutors to fully implement this process, and is
looking forward to further fruitful discussions over the next two days.”

On the second day of his visit, Mr Annan will meet with, among others, religious, civil society and business leaders.

A press conference will be held upon the conclusion of the visit. Media wishing to register for this press conference, which will be held at the Serena Hotel at 6.30pm on Wednesday 7th October, should contact Beatrice Karanja (details below).