Kenyans across the political divide are praying for peace while aid workers try to bring relief to an estimated 250,000 refugees from post-election violence that has also killed hundreds.

One week after the announcement of President Mwai Kibaki's re-election ignited protests, riots and looting around the east African nation, there was little sign of him meeting opposition rival Raila Odinga to sort out the crisis directly.

Would-be mediators, including Washington's top Africa diplomat Jendayi Frazer and South Africa's Nobel laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu, shuttled between both camps.

But a statement from Mr Kibaki that he was ready to form "a government of national unity" was met with scepticism by an opposition that says he stole the election by fraud and is now occupying the president's seat illegitimately.

Mr Odinga's Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) wants Mr Kibaki, 76, to quit and an international mediator to broker talks prior to a fresh election in three to six months.

On the street, most Kenyans were preoccupied with how to end violence and get their lives back to normal, rather than the intricacies of politics.

At least 300 people have died, some in battles between police and protesters, others in ethnic violence.

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