Amnesty calls for Kenya probe

2008-01-01 15:56

Nairobi - Rights panel Amnesty International on Monday called for an independent probe into the killings of civilians in Kenya triggered by the re-election of President Mwai Kibaki after a disputed poll.

Unrest across Kenya over Kibaki's Sunday re-election left about 150 people dead on Monday - some hacked to death - taking the overall toll to at least 185 killed since Thursday's polling day.

"Amnesty International calls on the Kenyan government to establish an independent and impartial inquiry into the killings in the opposition strongholds of Kisumu town in western Kenya, in Nairobi's Kibera slum, in Mombasa and elsewhere where people have been killed as a result of the post-electoral violence," said Erwin van der Borght, AI's Africa Programme director.

'Brought to justice'

"Those responsible for human rights abuses should be brought to justice without undue delay," he added in a statement.

The London-based group urged the government and political parties to take steps to prevent further violence with the aim of ensuring effective respect and protection for human rights.

Defeated opposition candidate Raila Odinga rejected Kibaki's victory saying there was widespread manipulation during tabulation of presidential figures, a concern that has been raised by foreign governments.

Kibaki, in a New Year message, appealed for calm across the nation and vowed to crack down on the demonstrations that have resulted in deaths and destruction of property.

- AFP