Kenyan official: Opposition leaders incited riots

A top Kenyan government official on Sunday accused opposition leaders of inciting riots and attacks on police since a repeat presidential election, while opposition chief Raila Odinga visited a Nairobi slum and told thousands of cheering supporters that the government intends to rule by force.

As the rift between the East African country’s two main political factions appeared to widen, the Kenyan election commission was finalizing and verifying its tally of votes from an election that was boycotted by Odinga supporters, essentially yielding what they see as a hollow victory to President Uhuru Kenyatta. Odinga said in an interview with The Associated Press on Sunday that the election on Thursday was a sham and that a new vote should be held within 90 days.

At least nine people have died in violence linked to the election, which was a rerun of an Aug. 8 vote that was nullified by the Supreme Court which cited irregularities and illegalities.

Some were shot by police; several died in clashes between different ethnic groups, highlighting the ethnic loyalties that drive Kenyan politics despite the disavowals of national leaders. Mobs have also looted shops and burned property in some areas.

“Kenyans want justice, not rule by force,” said Odinga, who held a fly whisk, a symbol of authority.