Annan

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP):

A leading Kenyan government minister yesterday rejected mediation by former U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan, saying his party has won the disputed presidential election and a government is in place.

''We have not invited Kofi Annan or any other eminent personality to come and mediate,'' John Michuki, minister of roads and public works and a member of President Mwai Kibaki's inner circle told reporters. ''We won the elections. ... We do not see the point for anyone coming to mediate power-sharing.'' Kibaki has rejected international mediation, demanding direct talks with his rival, opposition leader Raila Odinga, who says he was cheated of victory by a rigged vote tally.