Fresh violence breaks out in Kenya

Kenya suffered fresh violence overnight as the African Union prepared for talks today to end post-election turmoil that has killed…

Kenya suffered fresh violence overnight as the African Union prepared for talks today to end post-election turmoil that has killed nearly 500.

President Mwai Kibaki vowed today to "reach out" to rival leaders to help find a solution to a political crisis that has killed hundreds.

Mr  Kibaki told African Union head John Kufuor he had initiated dialogue. "Now that peace was returning...his partially-formed government would continue to reach out to Kenyan leaders," his office said in a statement.

Mr Odinga's Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) yesterday rejected an offer of bilateral talks from Mr Kibaki, saying they would be a "sideshow" if not chaired by international mediators.

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After a lull in clashes that erupted following Mr  Kibaki's disputed re-election at December 27 polls, Mr Kibaki named 17 ministers  yesterday - prompting further protests.

Witnesses said one man was shot dead in Kisumu, a western stronghold of opposition leader Raila Odinga, where hundreds of rioters built burning barricades and stoned cars.

Slum residents in Nairobi said opposition supporters also took to the streets, some of them brandishing machetes.

Locals in Kibera, another Nairobi slum that is one of Africa's biggest, said Odinga supporters were also demonstrating there, and that vehicles heading for the area were turning back.

Nearly 500 people have died in the violence and tribal clashes since an election that the opposition says was rigged and foreign monitors said fell short of democratic standards.