The Nation: Kufuor Leaves As Talks Hit Stalemate

Ghana's John Kufuor has left Nairobi with no deal out of efforts to reconcile President Kibaki and his challenger Raila Odinga of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

The Ghanaian President, who is also chairman of the African Union had earlier decided to extend his stay in Kenya to tomorrow, but seems to have decided to leave early after the talks apparently failed.

He was escorted to the airport by President Kibaki.

Mr Kufuor had been in a long meeting with Mr Odinga after having had another one with President Kibaki yesterday evening.

The two left the meeting at Nairobi's Intercontinental Hotel without a word to waiting journalists.

Earlier indications were that a meeting between President Kibaki and Mr Odinga was in the offing, with protocol officers setting up at the Office of the President at Harambee House and nearby roads closed.

However, the red carpet was taken away and the heavy security deployment at the planned venue withdrawn.

In brief comments to reporters, the Ghanaian President said that former UN secretary general Kofi Anan was due to take over the mediation role.

No comment has come from the ODM following today's developments.