Counting of votes begins in Kenya

Votes are being counted in Kenya after an election that observers describe as the most important in the country's history.

Earlier attacks by machete-wielding gangs around the port city of Mombasa killed at least 15 people.

With more than 10% of votes counted, the two presidential front-runners were well ahead of the other candidates.

The partial preliminary results, from areas where polling ended on time, gave Uhuru Kenyatta a lead over Prime Minister Raila Odinga, although analysts cautioned that these results came from Kenyatta strongholds.

Mr Kenyatta is due to face trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC) next month in connection with the widespread bloodshed that followed the disputed 2007 election - he denies organising attacks.
Mr Odinga says he was cheated of victory last time.

Meanwhile, an International Relations Expert, Rasheed Pelpuo has expressed optimism of Kenya's successful elections despite hitches.
 
 He told Radio Ghana that Kenya is the spotlight of Africa and the World Owing to the experience that country went through during the last elections and the electoral reforms initiated after the elections. 

BBC NEWS