Attacks Kill 17 ahead of Kenya's Presidential Election

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.