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Top Kenyan lawyer calls for poll probe as riots rage
Attorney General Amos Wako called for a probe after a day of battles between police and protesters.
- Reuters
- Published: 00:42 January 4, 2008
- Image Credit: EPA
- An Orange Democratic Movement supporter shown in the streets of Nairob.
Nairobi: Attorney General Amos Wako called on Thursday for an independent probe into Kenya's election after a day of battles between police and protesters disputing the re-election of President Mwai Kibaki.
Warning Kenya was "quickly degenerating into a catastrophe of unimaginable proportions", Wako said both sides should agree on an independent person or body to carry out "a proper tally" of votes from the December 27 poll.
"Such an exercise will go a long way in assuaging the inflamed passions of people," Wako said. But he added that while the tally should help political mediation, only a court could overturn Kibaki's win.
The turmoil has cost some 300 lives and threatens to wreck Kenya's reputation as one of Africa's most promising democracies, strongest economies and favourite tourist destinations.
Mediation
African Union chair Ghana sought to build consensus around the continent for mediation. The European Union and United States urged both sides to seek a coalition government.
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After hours of police clashes with thousands of protesters trying to reach central Nairobi, the opposition called off a planned demonstration in Uhuru (Freedom) Park, saying it wanted to save lives. But another protest was scheduled for Tuesday.
Shots cracked out as police fired over the heads of protesters and smoke billowed over the city slums.
Flames burst from a large crucifix suspended from the roof of a burning church in Kibera, one of Africa's largest slums, and a hotbed of support for opposition leader Raila Odinga. Currency and stock trading was halted yesterday, with the Kenyan shilling and share prices both down about five per cent since the troubles began. Tea and coffee auctions were delayed.
From dawn, riot police were out in force as the city, vitually deserted by workers, was slowly transformed into a battleground. Several columns of protesters surged out of slums towards the city-centre, singing the national anthem, chanting "Peace" and waving twigs and leaves. When confronted with police lines, they at first sat or kneeled in roads. As tempers rose, they began burning cars and buildings. Police responded with teargas and water cannons.
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