[December 31st, 2007]

In a press conference in Nairobi, earlier today, Police Chief General Ali has dispelled fears that the members of ODM's pentagon have been arrested. He also assured Kenyans that neither him nor any army generals had resigned. 

In a separate press conference, member of parliament elect, Kalonzo Musyoka (ODM-K presidential candidate) is seeking audience with President Mwai Kibaki and Raila Odinga (ODM presidential candidate). Kalonzo also confirmed that Raila was not under house arrest.

According to media reports, there are at least 124 deaths in post election violence. Citizens continue to report hearing gun shots even during the day.

in Kisumu, the BBC reports that many people have moved out of the suburbs into the rural areas in fearing the violence that has descended on the city. Water supply has also been cut off.

A curfew has been imposed on residents of Kisumu according to Sky News with police being ordered to shoot to kill.

BBC radio also reports that Kisumu/Namanga border has been closed.  

Kenya Media is protesting the ban on live broadcasts with the Media Council and the Media Owners Association describing the order as "retrogressive and an afront on the freedom of the press". Read the report from the Daily Nation here.

Raila has cancelled today's Uhuru Park rally where he planned to be inaugrated as the "People's President." He is instead calling for a peaceful milion man protest march on Thursday, January 3rd, across the country. "Party supporters will wear black bands, cloths and carry twigs only." The Daily Nation has a full report here .

In various cities in the US, Kenyans are planning protest rallies.  

Government spokesman Alfred Mutua had a press conference where he alleged that the violence in the country is very small and has been contained by police officers.

On Al Jazeera, Finance Minister Kimunya urges Raila and ODM to take matters to court. "People will get angry and rise up, but will cool down in the next couple of days."  He said the real test is for ODM leaders to take charge. On a question about heavy police forces deployed in poor areas, Kimunya said," the duty of the government is to protect."

He says the Raila created a hype on rigging so that when Kibaki won people would be suspicious of the results.

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In a PNU confrence, its leaders appealed to Kenyans to resume peace. "We are seeking diplomacy, and reaching out to ODM leaders." 

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Four ECK election officials have called for an investigation into the election process. Read more here
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[UPDATE: Time in Kenya: Jan 1st, 08:24pm]

Almost 40 people, mostly women and children, are dead after a church they were taking refuge in Eldoret was set on fire. Read more here . 

There have been reports of rape on women by both government police (GSU) and opposition mobs. 

President Kibaki has called for a meeting with all political parties to try and diffuse the situation. Raila, on the other hand, will only meet with Kibaki on condition that he steps down as president with a new presidential election.

In an interview with Al Jazeera , Raila absolves himself of any responsibility on the situation in Kenya. 

An estimated 200 people have died around the country. Over 70,000 people are displaced with no food. Those who can are stocking on food as shortages increases across the country. (54,000 displaced in Rift Valley, 16,000 in Coast)

Eric Kiraithe-Police Commissioner, "Police is shocked at the level of violence. They are stuggling to maintain peace." 

Government bans opposition million man march that is set for Thursday. ODM has confirmed that they will go on with the rally.

The following text message was sent out in attempt to curb the rumors that have been going around following President Kibaki's swearing: “The ministry of Internal security urges you to please desist from sending or forwarding any SMS that may cause public unrest. This may lead to your prosecution.”

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[UPDATE: Time in Kenya: Jan 1st, 09:14pm]

From KTN: Kivuitu contemplated resigning due to the pressures (from ODM and PNU) on him during the last days before the election. Both parties wanted him to announce results immediately, while foreign observers urged him to investigate the alleged rigging. "I had to weigh my options and see which decision (announcing immediately or delaying the announcement) would create more peace).

According to media reports many Kenyans are fleeing into Uganda.

Landlocked Uganda suffers the economic consequences of the violence in Kenya as Uganda experiences oil scarcity.  Read more here .

SAFINA, Paul Muite urges Raila to meet with Kibaki, "Kenya is more important than all of us." Raised concerned over the integrity of ECK calling for a re-tallying of votes. 

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