Violence flares in Kenya over presidential vote

Kisumu: Opposition supporters lit fires, looted shops and blocked roads in a west Kenyan city on Saturday as officials counted votes for the presidential election.

In Kisumu, hundreds of protesters took over the streets, and smoke was seen rising across the city, a witness said. Local residents said one person had died.

"We are demonstrating against the delay in announcing the results. We are sensing a plan by the government to rig the elections," said Eric Ochieng, a resident.

Witnesses said looters in Kisumu were targeting shops belonging to members of the Kikuyu ethnic group of President Mwai Kibaki.

Kenya's opposition challenger Raila Odinga was leading in the presidential race as vote counting entered its third day.

Odinga was leading by 1,884,096 votes to 1,516,259 for Kibaki, according to the Electoral Commission of Kenya.