Three killed in slum violence in Kenya

At least three people were feared killed on Sunday and several seriously wounded following skirmishes in a slum in the Kenyan capital Nairobi.

Dozens of riot police hurled tear gas canisters at people attending a political rally which turned violent in Kibera, a sprawling slum in the capital.

Supporters of Ndura Waruinge, the former leader of a banned political sect who is seeking a parliamentary seat, clashed with their rivals of the incumbent leader of the loose opposition alliance, Orange Democratic Party (ODM-Kenya) Raila Odinga.

Police said one person died on the spot, while reports indicate that another two died after being sent to the hospital.

Gunshots rent the air following tension and a heavy police presence throughout the day in sprawling slums which makes one- third of the Nairobi population.

The police however deny involvement in the shootout saying the deaths could have resulted from stone throwing battles between rival factions. Nairobi Provincial Police chief Njue Njagi told journalists that none of his officers used live ammunition.

Source: Xinhua