Kenyans go to the polls in crucial election

Kenyans are voting in an election that observers describe as the most important in the country's history.

It is the first time a vote has taken place under a new constitution, designed to prevent a repeat of violence that followed the 2007 polls.

More than 1,000 people died when supporters of rival candidates clashed over a contested result.

Despite appeals for calm, reports say at least two police officers died in clashes near Mombasa early on Monday.

Officials said a gang attacked police in the region of Changamwe outside the port city in the early hours.

Kenyans will choose a president, members of parliament and senators, county governors and members of the newly-formed county assembly.

Eight candidates are standing but it is essentially a two-horse race pitting Prime Minister Raila Odinga against Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta.

Mr Kenyatta, son of Kenya's founding father Jomo Kenyatta, is due to stand trial at the International Criminal Court for his alleged role in orchestrating the violence five years ago.

Mr Kenyatta's running mate, William Ruto, has also been indicted by the court. Both men deny any wrongdoing.

Reports say long queues formed outside polling stations in Nairobi hours before polls opened.
The atmosphere is said to be calm, and people chanted "peace".

In the run-up to Monday's vote, President Mwai Kibaki - who is not seeking re-election - urged Kenyans to vote peacefully and for the losers to accept defeat.

BBC NEWS