Chief mediator in Kenya's 2007 - 2008 post-election crisis Kofi Annan has appealed to President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga to show leadership in the controversy raised by nominations to top state jobs.

He said Tuesday that he had written to the principals "appealing to them to come together in a show of unity on the nominations and reduce the political temperature, especially in the National Assembly".

Mr Annan, who is the chairman of the African Union Panel of Eminent African Personalities, said he had followed "with keen interest" developments surrounding the nominations of the next Chief Justice, Attorney General, Director of Public Prosecutions and Controller of Budget.

He has also taken on board issues raised by various stakeholders "as well as the wise ruling of the Speaker of the National Assembly".

In his letter, Mr Annan urged the President and the PM to guard the gains made on the reform front.

“Kenya turned a new page on August 27, 2010 and the momentum generated must not be allowed to dissipate. Much is at stake. I appeal to you to remember the needs and aspirations of the people for a prosperous and stable Kenya," he said in a statement.