Political tensions on rise in Kenya

KENYA’S political divisions look set to deepen as security forces step up patrols in preparation for President Uhuru Kenyatta’s inauguration in the capital Nairobi.

Mr Kenyatta won a second five-year term on October 26 in a repeat presidential election boycotted by opposition leader Raila Odinga, who said it would not be free and fair. The Supreme Court nullified the first presidential election, in August, over irregularities.

The extended election season has divided Kenya, a Western ally in a volatile region, and blunted growth in East Africa’s richest economy. Supporters of Mr Kenyatta – who won with 98 per cent of the vote after Mr Odinga’s boycott – are urging the opposition to engage in talks and move on.

“Our responsibility after the political competition is to come together and work to build the nation,” Mr Kenyatta told a church service on Sunday. Tens of thousands of Mr Kenyatta’s supporters, clad in the red and yellow Jubilee party colours and carrying Kenyan flags, arrived at the stadium on Tuesday (local time) where the inauguration was to take place.

“I’m sure Uhuru will be able to bring people together and unite them so we can all work for the country,” said Eunice Jerobon, a trader who travelled from the town of Kapsabet.