Probe into death of Kenya poll official urged

NAIROBI: Protesters marched on the offices of Kenya’s election commission yesterday, demanding a speedy inquiry into the murder of a senior official that has raised fears over the legitimacy of next week’s national vote.

Chris Msando, the election board’s head of information, communication and technology, was tortured before he was killed, authorities said.

He oversaw the live transmission of election results, a contentious area that the opposition said could be used to rig next Tuesday’s presidential and parliamentary polls.

“It is important that security agencies expedite investigations as a matter of utmost urgency,” prominent anti-corruption campaigner John Githongo said on the march, flanked by about 25 protesters.

“The timing of his torture and murder serves to undermine Kenya’s election management body,” he added, as the group sang and held up banners denouncing the killing.

Msando’s body had deep lacerations on his hands and arms and he had been “unmistakably” tortured, an official at the commission said.

“A woman who had been shot in the head was found next to him,” the unnamed official said. Authorities did not say where he was found or suggest a motive.

The opposition called for outside experts to help ensure the credibility of the elections. Reuters