KENYA: Disputed re-run of election holds today

Kenya’s controversial repeat presidential election holds today as planned, the head of the election commission has announced.  A bid to delay the election fell apart after only two out of seven Supreme Court judges showed up for a hearing. Election commission chief Wafula Chebukati said the polls would open at 06:00 (03:00 GMT) after being […]

Kenya’s controversial repeat presidential election holds today as planned, the head of the election commission has announced. 

A bid to delay the election fell apart after only two out of seven Supreme Court judges showed up for a hearing.

Election commission chief Wafula Chebukati said the polls would open at 06:00 (03:00 GMT) after being given assurances by the authorities.

But he also complained of threats to the electoral commission’s staff and said he could not guarantee their security while at work.

Uhuru Kenyatta, who is seeking a second term, won in August but the poll is being held again over irregularities.

Opposition candidate Raila Odinga has called on his supporters to join him in boycotting the ballot.

In a speech in Nairobi, Mr Odinga called for “free, fair and credible elections” within 90 days. “Do not participate in any way in this sham election,” he told cheering supporters. “Convince your friends, neighbours, and everyone else not participate.”