"Gentle Giant" to solve giant problem

The chairman of the African Union, President Kufuor is expected to arrive today in Kenya as diplomatic efforts to end the country's political crisis intensified.

Kufuor, who has helped negotiate during conflicts in Ivory Coast and Liberia, hopes to heal the bitter divisions that emerged after the disputed election victory of president Mwai Kibaki.

He will sit down for talks with "President" Kibaki, amid hopes that opposition leader Raila Odinga would join the peace talks.

Mr Odinga has said he would talk to Mr Kibaki only if Mr Kufuor mediated.

Violent clashes since the 27 December election have left at least 600 people dead after rioting spread.

Both sides have accused the other of ethnic cleansing.

Mr Odinga, who says the death toll is "closer to 1,000", claims he was cheated of victory in a rigged election and has called on Mr Kibaki to stand down. But Mr Odinga called off planned nationwide rallies this week, saying he wanted to give international mediation a chance.