This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/africa/7174670.stm

The article has changed 6 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Sharp rise in Kenya poll deaths Kenya opposition cancels protests
(30 minutes later)
At least 486 people have died in violent clashes following Kenya's disputed elections, the police say. Kenya's opposition leader has called off nationwide rallies planned for Tuesday, following disputed elections.
Officials had previously reported 350 deaths in clashes between rival political supporters, ethnic groups and the police. Raila Odinga said he hoped international mediation could solve the crisis. He says he was cheated of victory by President Mwai Kibaki.
Some 250,000 people have fled their homes after the 27 December elections, which the opposition says were rigged. The police now say that 486 people have died in violence following the polls - up from the previous figure of 350.
The opposition says it will defy a police ban on protests and hold nationwide rallies on Tuesday. Some 250,000 people have fled their homes in clashes between rival ethnic and political groups and the police.
The police have sealed off Uhuru (Freedom) Park in the capital, Nairobi, where the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) are planning to hold its main protest march. US Assistant Secretary for African Affairs Jendayi Frazer is in Nairobi, leading diplomatic efforts to resolve the political impasse between President Mwai Kibaki and his rival Raila Odinga, from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Last week, the police prevented ODM supporters from reaching the park.
"The police will ensure that the meetings will not take place as the order barring political rallies after the election period is still in force," said Police Commissioner Hussein Ali.
Roads blocked
US Assistant Secretary for African Affairs Jendayi Frazer is in Nairobi, leading diplomatic efforts to resolve the political impasse between President Mwai Kibaki and his rival Raila Odinga, from the ODM.
Charities are warning of a looming health crisisCharities are warning of a looming health crisis
Both sides have accused the other of ethnic cleansing during the violence after Mr Kibaki was declared the winner.Both sides have accused the other of ethnic cleansing during the violence after Mr Kibaki was declared the winner.
European Union observers have criticised the way some of the votes were counted, including anomalies between the results announced locally and nationally.European Union observers have criticised the way some of the votes were counted, including anomalies between the results announced locally and nationally.
The government says it has deployed its military engineering unit to assist in unblocking the main highways to enable relief supplies to be delivered to displaced people and for public transport to resume.The government says it has deployed its military engineering unit to assist in unblocking the main highways to enable relief supplies to be delivered to displaced people and for public transport to resume.
Head of the humanitarian services committee Rachael Arunga told a press conference in Nairobi that sufficient urgent supplies are yet to reach thousands of displaced people. The head of the humanitarian services committee, Rachael Arunga, told a news conference in Nairobi that sufficient urgent supplies were yet to reach thousands of displaced people.
Ms Arunga said the Rift Valley province is the worst hit area and efforts are being made to deliver food items, tents and medicine to the displaced people. Ms Arunga said the Rift Valley province was the worst hit area and efforts were being made to deliver food items, tents and medicine to the displaced people.
At the same time President Kibaki has sent a special envoy to Ghana to brief African Union chairman John Kufour on the situation in Kenya.At the same time President Kibaki has sent a special envoy to Ghana to brief African Union chairman John Kufour on the situation in Kenya.
Government spokesman Alfred Mutua said Foreign Affairs Assistant Minister Moses Wetangula will be meeting the Ghanaian leader in Accra this week. Government spokesman Alfred Mutua said Foreign Affairs Assistant Minister Moses Wetangula would be meeting the Ghanaian leader in Accra this week.
The ODM has proposed that President Kufour should lead the mediation efforts, but the government insists there is no need of a mediator.The ODM has proposed that President Kufour should lead the mediation efforts, but the government insists there is no need of a mediator.