Opposition leads in slow Kenya vote count

Nairobi: Kenya's opposition challenger Raila Odinga on Saturday led in the presidential race as vote counting entered its third day.

Odinga, heir of a wealthy nationalist hero, was leading by 1,884,096 votes to 1,516,259 for President Mwai Kibaki, according to the Electoral Commission of Kenya (ECK).

Three local TV stations aired unofficial, partial results showing Odinga well ahead.

Civil society groups in a statement complained that the ECK was "moving at a snail's pace" and warned it must speed up or risk sparking disputes over the results.

"The turnout per constituency has been ranging between 60 and 70 per cent and even 80 percent in some cases. The average will be within that range," said election vice chairman Kihara Muttu.

Diplomats have praised the election process so far as smooth and largely peaceful, despite rigging accusations by both sides.