Nairobi, Nov. 16 -- Former Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta Tuesday went close to the conflict zone in Goma and Rutshuru in DR Congo's North Kivu, where he pleaded with fighters to end the war as he met displaced people escaping from the fighting.

Mr Kenyatta, who is a mediator for the seven-nation East African Community, was invited to the Joint Operations Coordination Centre before taking the road to Rutshuru, which is lined with IDP sites.

The former head of state was shocked by the situation he witnessed and strongly denounced the humanitarian crisis facing the people of North Kivu.

"All these children, mothers and old people we have seen have become strangers in their country. Whatever our differences, let us have pity on them and ...