Kenya's Opposition to Hold Banned Protest Rally

Kenya's opposition leaders have vowed to go ahead with a massive rally in downtown Nairobi to protest what they say was the fraudulent re-election of President Mwai Kibaki. The government has said the demonstration, set for Thursday, will not be allowed to proceed, and the standoff threatens to spark a new wave of violence. Nick Wadhams has the story for VOA from Nairobi.

Police officials now say at least 200 people have been killed in the violence that erupted after Odinga supporters began to protest what they said was evidence of vote rigging by Mr. Kibaki's team. The European Union's electoral mission here has said the polls did not meet international standards, and it has called for an investigation.

Many of the dead have been protesters killed by police firing into crowds. On Tuesday, some 30 people were killed when an angry mob torched a church in western Kenya where people were seeking refuge from the violence.

In Nairobi, some people in the slums say it is time for peace, and that poor Kenyans must stop fighting each other. ODM Chairman Nyong'o said that can only be achieved if Mr. Odinga is named president.

"Peace cannot be realized in Kenya without justice," he added.  "The mass action is to let it be known that people want peaceful mass action to call for justice, which shall be a necessary condition for us to get on with our lives."

Some in the international community have suggested a government of national unity could offer a solution. Others argue that Mr. Odinga should take his claims to court.

Both Mr. Kibaki and Mr. Odinga have said they will not share power, and the courts are seen as largely corrupt and inefficient.