Kenya police suppress rallies

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Source: CCTV.com | 01-17-2008 09:01

Police in Kenya have fired tear gas and bullets into crowds rallying against President Mwai Kibaki's election victory.

The opposition claims the election was rigged and is  calling for the president to step down.(CCTV.com)

The opposition claims the election was rigged and is calling for the president to step down.

Opposition leader Raila Odinga called for three days of nationwide protests, after a week of violence that killed more than 600 people.

International mediation failed to move President Kibaki, who insists he won the December 27th election.

Raila Odinga, Opposition Leader, said, "You see this is a clear demonstration that the government is not willing to have any kind of dialogue, a peaceful resolution to these problems because public demonstrations and rallies are guaranteed in our constitution."

Businesses shut as tear gas was fired, and thousands of panicked office workers fled from the downtown area.

Police had declared Wednesday's protests illegal.

Opposition leader Raila Odinga called for three days  of nationwide protests, after a week of violence that  killed more than 600 people.(CCTV.com)

Andrew Hayemba, Officer of Kilimani Police Station, said, "It is only that we are dealing with criminals, these are not politicians, these are criminals because these people are blocking the roads and looting things that they do not own and that is criminal."

Rioting has tarnished Kenya's image and damaged its tourist-dependent economy.

The disputed election has also aggravated long-simmering ethnic tensions and conflicts over land.

Thirteen nations are pressuring Kenyan politicians to find a solution.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei