Ethnic violence is spreading and escalating after Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki was declared re-elected and sworn in following a vote he is widely suspected of rigging. Supporters of the leading opposition candidate Raila Odinga are rioting across wide areas of western Kenya. Over a hundred people are dead and tens of thousands have fled their homes in search of safe havens.
Earlier today a mob torched a church in Eldoret, western Kenya, where members of Pres Kibaki's Kikuyu tribe had sought refuge after their homes were set afire.
Dozens are feared dead after rowdy protesters attacked a church and set it ablaze in Eldoret, as violence continues unabated following the disputed presidential election.
Police have confirmed the number of the dead to be between 35 and 40 women and children.
It is being reported that Eldoret is in complete chaos. “Shops being looted. Murder and rape in broad daylight.”
Violence is spreading through the country. The slums of Nairobi are aflame. Refugees are fleeing into Uganda from western Kenya. In parts of western Kenya, essential commodities, including food, fuel and safe drinking water, are in short supply. Shortages of fuel and groceries have also arisen in south-east Kenya.
The Red Cross says the country is in the midst of a humanitarian “national disaster”.
Latest reports say that about 250 people have died thus far in Kenya’s post-election turmoil.
Kenya has hitherto been one of the most stable and prosperous democracies in Africa.
UPDATE (1 Jan.): Kenya's Electoral Commission chairman admits he doesn't know who won the election.









Posts

[...] Mob violence in Kenya following disputed election [...]