Kenya opposition says Kibaki not serious on talks

NAIROBI (Reuters) - Kenya's opposition said on Thursday that President Mwai Kibaki's statement after talks with his rival Raila Odinga showed he had "no intention" of letting international mediation resolve the political crisis.

Kibaki earlier shook hands with Odinga following their first meeting since disputed December 27 polls triggered riots and ethnic violence. Both men pledged to seek an end to the turmoil.

"We denounce and categorically reject the unfortunate statement from Mr Mwai Kibaki that he is the duly elected president of Kenya and that the current crisis can be resolved internally," opposition official Anyang' Nyong'o told reporters.

"It is now absolutely clear to the country that Mr Kibaki has no intention whatsoever of embarking on this journey with the people of Kenya."

Nyong'o said Kibaki's statement after the closed-door talks -- in which he said that as the country's duly elected president he would lead efforts to unify Kenyans -- negated the rationale for mediation efforts led by former U.N. boss Kofi Annan.

"His demeaning and unacceptable behavior was clearly meant to undermine the mediation effort and to prolong the suffering of the people of Kenya," Nyong'o told a news conference.

(Reporting by Nick Tattersall; Writing by Daniel Wallis)