Kenya's Kibaki vows "decisive" action on protestors

NAIROBI (Reuters) - President Mwai Kibaki vowed in a New Year's message on Monday to beef up security across Kenya as the nation's worst riots in years greeted his re-election.

"The country has just concluded a closely contested free and fair general election," Kibaki said in a statement.

"My government will ... deal decisively with those who breach the peace by intensifying security across the country."

Echoing his speech at a snap swearing-in just an hour after being declared the election winner on Sunday, the 76-year-old called for reconciliation in a nation whose ethnic divisions were brought to the surface by the vote.

"With the elections behind us, it is now time for healing and reconciliation among all Kenyans. I ask all of us, and particularly all leaders to embrace a renewed spirit of national unity, respect for the democratic choice and maintain peace, law and order."

(Reporting by Andrew Cawthorne; Editing by Daniel Wallis)