Nairobi — The Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (Supkem) has said mediation by a team of eminent Africans has boosted efforts of local groups committed to peace following the flare up of violence over the disputed presidential election.

Supkem Coast chairman, Sheikh Juma Ngao, said Supkem has confidence in the ongoing peace negotiations led by former UN Secretary-General, Mr Kofi Annan. He appealed to religious leaders to use the opportunity to preach peace and reconciliation.

"The Annan team has boosted our efforts to restore calm as religious leaders. We should therefore not relent in our efforts," said Ngao in a statement.

He appealed to interested political groups to give the mediation team a chance.

Ngao also pleaded with ODM leader, Mr Raila Odinga, and President Kibaki to give dialogue a chance.

"We are appealing to Kenyans and leaders across the political divide to observe peace and give dialogue a chance," he said.

The Supkem leader said religious groups should dedicate themselves to prayers.

"Muslims should use Fridays and Christians Sundays to pray for peace and not stage any protest marches. Let's give Annan's team ample time to resolve the current political impasse," said Ngao.

Elsewhere, antagonists in the current political crisis have been urged to stop using the media to settle scores. A former President of the World Methodists Council, the Rev Dr Lawi Imathiu, on Saturday claimed the Government and the opposition were fuelling animosity through advertisements in the media.

"Let the antagonists stop resorting to paid up media advertisements to blame their opponents over the current political crisis. This will only polarise the situation further," said Bishop Imathiu.

He appealed to the media to censure advertisement or report that could jeopardise efforts being made to restore peace.