Kenya's President Mwai Kibaki, whose disputed re-election triggered violence that damaged his country's reputation for stability, has appointed a commission of inquiry to investigate the December 27 vote.

A statement sent from Mr Kibaki's office yesterday said the panel would "inquire into all aspects of the General Election... with particular emphasis on the Presidential Election".

The panel is expected to probe the tallying of votes "to assess the integrity of the results" and look into the Electoral Commission of Kenya's independence among other issues.

Kenya's post-election crisis which killed more than 1,000 people erupted when Mr Kibaki was sworn in as President, amid allegations of electoral fraud by political rival Raila Odinga.

Though a power-sharing pact signed by the two last month has defused tension in the east African tea and coffee-grower, Mr Odinga's Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) warned yesterday that any attempt to undermine the accord could spark more turmoil.

The ODM, the largest party in Parliament, was responding to comments by the civil service head implying the ODM would take second rank in the new Administration.

The power-sharing deal, which would create a Prime Minister's post expected to go to Mr Odinga, has yet to be ratified by Parliament and details such as the Prime Minister's powers and the division of Cabinet jobs are proving contentious.