Attacks Kill 17 ahead of Kenya's Presidential Election

World | March 4, 2013, Monday // 12:49
Bulgaria: Attacks Kill 17 ahead of Kenya's Presidential Election File photo by EPA/BGNES

A total of 17 people were killed in two attacks on police by machete-wielding men hours before voting began in the country's presidential election.

According to international media, local authorities suspect at least one of the attacks was carried out by members of a coastal separatist group who had threatened to disrupt voting if their demand for secession of the Indian Ocean coastal strip was not met.

Police officials have said the death toll was comprised of nine security officers, two civilians and six attackers.

Kenyans are voting Monday in an election that observers describe as the most important in the country's history. Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta are considered to be the frontrunners.

Officials and candidates have made appeals to avoid the violence that followed the 2007 polls.

More than 1,000 people died in ethnic and political violence following claims the poll had been rigged.

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!

World » Be a reporter: Write and send your article
Tags: Kenya, attacks, killed, president, election

Advertisement
Advertisement
Bulgaria news Novinite.com (Sofia News Agency - www.sofianewsagency.com) is unique with being a real time news provider in English that informs its readers about the latest Bulgarian news. The editorial staff also publishes a daily online newspaper "Sofia Morning News." Novinite.com (Sofia News Agency - www.sofianewsagency.com) and Sofia Morning News publish the latest economic, political and cultural news that take place in Bulgaria. Foreign media analysis on Bulgaria and World News in Brief are also part of the web site and the online newspaper. News Bulgaria