Nairobi — Chief mediator Kofi Annan criticised Kenya's failure to establish a local mechanism to try post-election violence suspects.

Mr Annan, who is in the country to evaluate progress made in implementing reforms, promised to follow up the issue with President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Efforts to set up a tribunal suffered a major blow on Wednesday after MPs, once again, shunned debate on a crucial Bill to pave the way for the trials.

Lack of quorum

Mr Gitobu Imanyara's Constitution of Kenya (Amendment) Bill, 2009 has suffered a perennial lack of quorum for it to sail through the second reading.

Addressing journalists after meeting National Assembly Speaker Kenneth Marende at Parliament Buildings, Mr Annan praised the former Emuhaya MP.

"I am happy with the Speaker's work. The work he is doing is essential for political stability to avoid a repeat of post-election violence," he said.

The former UN secretary-general, who brokered a peace deal that ended two months of the chaos that claimed more than 1,000 people and uprooted another 600,000, said all MPs were aware of their responsibilities and were crucial in the passage of needed reforms.

Mr Annan did not, however, brief journalists on his earlier meeting with Mr Odinga at Treasury Building.

Mr Annan is expected to meet President Kibaki on Monday to discuss progress in reforms.

A statement from the AU Panel of Eminent African Personalities said the discussion with Mr Odinga was on progress made since Mr Annan's last visit in October when he left with a clear message that masterminds of last year's post-election violence must be brought to book before 2012.

Mr Annan and International Criminal Court chief prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo proposed a three-tier system to deal with post-poll suspects.While the ICC will handle the key perpetrators, a local mechanism should be established in addition to the Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission.

Other eminent African personalities including Ms Graca Machel and former Tanzanian President Benjamin Mkapa are expected in the country to evaluate the report card of the coalition.

The visit comes in the wake of pressure on the government to implement reforms which were recommended under agenda four of the national accord.

Defended MPs

On Thursday, Mr Marende defended MPs over accusations of lack of seriousness in helping establish a local tribunal. "Parliament has played its role. If there is a problem, blame it on the Executive," he declared.

Mr Marende said he discussed with Mr Annan many things relating to the welfare of Kenyans including the constitution and the role of Parliament .

Separately, Kenya National Commission on Human Rights vice-chairman Hassan Omar welcomed Mr Annan's visit, saying it keeps the momentum on implementation of crucial reforms.

Mr Annan will be in the country until Tuesday.