Nairobi — It was the handshake that rekindled hope for peace.

As millions of Kenyans watched on television, President Kibaki and ODM leader Raila Odinga stepped forward Thursday and clasped each other's hand in a gesture which carried with it the destiny of a bruised nation.

But Mr Kibaki's endorsement speech immediately drew ODM's anger - and within hours they denounced his remarks that "he is the duly elected President of Kenya" and that the current crisis can be resolved internally.

As the talks hang on the balance, ODM demanded a written agreement between it and PNU on the mediation principles and agenda for the talks to formally begin.

A collective sigh of relief seemed to sweep across the country in that magic moment - mediator Kofi Annan clapping gently to their left while Kenyans clung to the hope of security after three weeks of bloody protests which brought their nation to the brink of civil war.

With their advisors and select Cabinet ministers standing by on the steps of the Office of the President's Office, the two men uttered the words which could give us back our future; a commitment to dialogue to settle the crisis triggered by the disputed results of the presidential elections.

Mr Kibaki said: "I appeal to all Kenyans to remain calm and united as we seek for a solution through dialogue."

Electoral dispute

And from Mr Odinga: "I said in the past and I repeat it today that we are ready to walk the extra mile to ensure peace. Today we have taken the first vital step in resolving the electoral dispute."

More than 600 people have died and 250,000 others have been rendered homeless in violence which broke out on December 29, last year after President Kibaki was declared winner of the Presidential race.

Eighty seven of the dead were killed in what was described as police intervention.

President Kibaki was declared by the Electoral Commission winner by the Electoral by 4,584,721 votes against Mr Odinga's 4,352,993 voted. ODM supporters believed the election was rigged in favour of Mr Kibaki while election observers declared the tallying of the presidential results seriously flawed.

Thousands have been driven out of their homes in Rift Valley and are at refugee camps in Burnt Forest. Hundreds others are camping at police stations and administrative centres in Central, Western and Coast provinces.

But Thursday's ceremony on Harambee Avenue held out hope for all with the endorsement of negotiations between Mr Odinga and Mr Kibaki brokered by international mediators led by former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.

When they emerged after about an hour and a half of talks, it was their handshakes that gripped the tense stare of a nation bleeding from the blows of bungled politics.

First Mr Odinga, then President Kibaki, publicly gave their pledges for peace and dialogue from written speeches followed by seemingly rehearsed remarks in Kiswahili. "I appeal to all Kenyans to remain calm and united as we seek a solution through dialogue," said President Kibaki.

On his part, Mr Odinga said: "I said in the past and I repeat it today that we are ready to walk the extra mile to ensure peace. Today we have taken the first vital step in resolving the electoral dispute."

At one stage during the meeting at the Office of the President in Nairobi, Mr Annan, former Tanzanian President Benjamin Mkapa and the wife of former South African President Nelson Mandela, Mrs Graca Machel, were alone with President Kibaki and Mr Odinga.

President Kibaki said: "I know that you are all deeply concerned about the loss of lives and of the destruction of property since I was sworn-in as the President. I will lead our country in restoring peace and harmony."

Eminent persons

The President renewed his commitment to dialogue, saying the Government had welcomed the group of eminent persons appointed by the African union chairman, Mr John Kufuor, who is the Ghanaian President.

The President said the Government was determined to go out for the underlying causes of the post polls events so that they country could start a healing process.

"The Government must protect lives and property of all Kenyans, and will ensure that everybody freedom is respected. I urge all Kenyans to shun violence. I am also confident that our unity will help us overcome the challenges," the President.

In his off-the-cuff remarks in Kiswahili, President Kibaki appealed to all Kenyans to live in peace saying there was no need for anyone to lose life or property because of the crisis.

The President reminded Kenyans that they had co-existed in peace since independence and there was no need to turn against each other now.

"That is why I am asking those people who have been displaced to return and rebuild their homes.. I will urge you all to live in peace as Kenyans. We must be allowed to live anywhere in the country we so wish," President Kibaki said.

The President expressed confidence that a committee he had set up chaired by Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka, would address the crisis.

"Let us not have fitina (incitement)," President Kibaki said.

On his part, Mr Odinga said he and his party were ready to take the first step for peace and justice.

"We are ready to take the long walk to peace and justice. My team will spare no efforts to resolve this crisis in the spirit of brotherhood. We will work day and night," the ODM leader said.

In his off-the-cuff remarks, Mr Odinga said they were at the OP because of the crisis bedevilling the country.

Ready for talks

"We said we are ready for talks, but there must be truth and justice. We have met (President) Kibaki and we will continue till we resolve this issue. We want peace in this country. I will not rest till we get peace and unity."

Mr Annan said the two leaders had agreed to promote sustainable peace, but regretted that media reports from other parts of the country were not good as property was still being destroyed.

He asked the Government to desist from using excessive force in dealing with violence.

Said the former UN boss: "I will appeal for calm. No individual should take the law in his own hands and must instead respect the sanctity of life."

Mr Annan described the crisis in the country as "tense" saying his mission to the country was to help people live in peace and have their property protected.

Eminent persons

Mr Annan, who heads an African Union appointed team of eminent persons, jetted into the country on Tuesday evening.

The former United Nations secretary general immediately outlined his mission to help the country get out of the current political quagmire.

Mr Annan said he had not come with a solution but would have direct talks with President Kibaki and the ODM leader for a possible deal.

Since his arrival, Mr Annan has held talks with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, National Assembly Speaker Kenneth Marende, Mr Odinga, President Kibaki and a group of former Presidents led by Mozambique's J Chissano.

Reported by Bernard Namunane, Odhiambo Orlale and Kenneth Ogosia