Annan frustrated at slow progress on reform agenda

Former UN chief Kofi Annan has concluded meetings in Kenya with the country's wrangling leaders, in an attempt to resolve a disagreement threatening the government formed after the 2008 post-election unrest. Speaking after the talks in Nairobi, Annan said there had been some progress on constitutional review and the promotion of ethnic cohesion. But progress was tempered by concerns and frustrations in other areas.

President Mwai Kibaki (L) and Prime Minister Raila Odinga Reuters/Noor Khamis

"I am particularly concerned about reports of intimidation of potential witnesses and human rights defenders, and of extra-judicial killings," he said.

Annan was the chief mediator in the accord that created Kenya's grand coalition government, formed in the aftermath of the bloody unrest that killed nearly 1,500 people and displaced nearly a million others.

The accord allowed President Mwai Kibaki to share power with his then rival Raila Odinga, who became Prime Minister.

But in recent months there have been disagreements, with Odinga's side temporarily boycotting cabinet meetings, saying Kibaki had reneged on the terms of the accord.