Kibaki vows to punish those behind Kenya violence

By Tim Cocks

BURNT FOREST, Kenya (Reuters) - Kenya's President Mwai Kibaki vowed on Wednesday to punish politicians accused of inciting attacks after his disputed election win during a visit to one of the areas worst hit by the clashes.

Drawing loud cheers from thousands shortly after landing by helicopter in western Kenyan Burnt Forest area, Kibaki pledged aid to help the homeless rebuild their lives.

Aid agencies say more than a quarter of a million Kenyans have been forced to abandon their homes after days of attacks by mobs on the rampage. Houses have been burnt and crops destroyed.

Many residents in the lush Rift Valley -- where a mob torched a church and killed 30 people sheltering inside last week -- accuse opposition politicians of fanning the violence.

"The politicians inciting people to commit violence -- don't worry, the government will arrest them and charge them in court. They know who they are," said Kibaki, standing on a makeshift stage decked out in the red, green and black of Kenya's flag.

The opposition have accused Kibaki's camp of also stoking violence.

It was the president's first public foray since rioting erupted in opposition strongholds across the east African country over the result of the December 27 vote, which opposition rival, Raila Odinga, says was rigged.

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