Kenya: HRW calls for probe

2008-01-05 09:38

New York - Human Rights Watch on Friday called for an independent probe into Kenya's presidential election, saying the country risked further violence unless it agreed to a fully transparent investigation.

Hundreds of people had been killed in political and tribal violence since the December 27 polls led to the re-election of President Mwai Kibaki, amid claims of vote-rigging by defeated challenger Raila Odinga.

Human Rights Watch's deputy Africa director, Georgette Gagnon, said: "Mounting evidence of serious election fraud has helped to ignite violence throughout Kenya.

"An independent and transparent review of the vote tallying is urgently needed." The New York-based watchdog said the investigation should have international participation and adhere to a strict timeframe.

Tutu met Kibaki

The group further urged the Kenyan government to end restrictions on the media and peaceful assembly, while expressing concern about the violence and accusing authorities of being "heavy-handed" in their response.

Gagnon said: "The Kibaki government has responded to the violence with a military crackdown and restrictions on protests as well as the press.

"Political leaders in Kenya and concerned governments should unite in a call for an end to violence."

Kenya's opposition had called for a poll re-run, while Washington had sent its top Africa envoy to push for an end to the crisis.

South African Nobel Peace laureate Desmond Tutu had also been involved in talks with Kibaki over the possibility of coalition rule.

- AFP