Nairobi, Kenya - Kenyans Sunday ushered in the New Year amid hopes of a peaceful power transfer in an election year, based on assurances from President Mwai Kibaki that he would ensure a peaceful power changeover. The dates for the elections are expected to be determined by the courts soon. President Kibaki said in his New Year’s message that he hoped the forthcoming polls would be peaceful. “After two terms as your President, I will be happy to oversee a smooth transition to the new leadership you would have voted into office,” Kibaki said in the televised message.

He said the government would facilitate the issuance of national identification documents to millions of eligible voters to enable them vote in 2012.

As the citizens rang in the New Year with celebrations, they are also not unmindful of the situation in Southern Somalia, where Kenyan troops are battling to defeat the rag-tag force of the Al Shabaab militia.

Although fears of Al Shabaab attacks partly dampened celebrations to usher in the New Year, military chiefs and the police insisted the country was much safer after the military incursion into Somalia.

“We do not want anything that can confuse the ongoing surveillance,” police spokesman Eric Kiraithe said, explaining the reasons for banning fireworks during the celebrations to usher the New Year.

President Kibaki has said Kenyan forces battling Al Shabaab will not relent until the “enemy” is completely defeated in Somalia.

On the forthcoming polls, Prime Minister Raila Odinga, away in South Africa, affirmed his desire to witness free and fair elections in 2012 to make a clear break from the 2007 disputed presidential elections, which led to several weeks of violence.

“We must ensure the elections are held in a free and fair environment,” Odinga said.

The International Criminal Court (ICC), which held hearings in September 2011 to determine whether to commit six prominent officials to full-scale trial for allegedly planning and executing the violence, is due to issue its verdict in a fortnight.

Analysts predict the Hague-based Court’s decision could also shape Kenyan politics in 2012, with Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta, a leading presidential contender, waiting to know his fate before making any commitment.

Former Minister William Ruto and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) chairman Henry Kosgey, among the six facing the Court, are also waiting to hear the Court’s decision, due 14 Jan.

Pana 02/01/2012