Protests demanding electoral reforms persist in Kenya

NAIROBI, Kenya – Supporters of Kenya’s opposition Friday held demonstrations in the capital and other strongholds to demand the exit of several electoral officials before a rerun presidential vote later this month.

The demonstration in Nairobi was largely peaceful but in the opposition centre of Kisumu police fired tear gas and shots in the air to disperse demonstrators. There were also protests in Bungoma, Mombasa and Kakamega, all cities with large opposition followings.

Kenya’s top court nullified the August re-election of President Uhuru Kenyatta, citing irregularities and illegalities in the vote counting.

In Nairobi Friday, protesters carried placards saying “Chiloba Must Go,” citing the chairman of the electoral commission that the opposition wants gone before the Oct. 26 repeat election.

Kenyatta’s opponent Raila Odinga did not appear at any of the protests Friday.