Donors seek probe on killings during anti-poll protests in Kenya

Kenya's donors on Tuesday condemned violence witnessed during the anti-electoral body's protests in Nairobi on Monday and called on authorities to investigate police brutality in which four people were killed.

In a joint statement issued in Nairobi, 12 foreign envoys from U.S., Britain, Norway, Belgium and the European Union said violence will not resolve the issues regarding the future of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) or ensure the 2017 elections are free and credible.

"We strongly urge all Kenyans to come together to de-escalate the situation and to resolve their differences, taking every opportunity for inclusive dialogue," said diplomats who represent countries that have financed IEBC operations in the past.

"Kenyans should talk, and any compromise must be implemented in accord with Kenya's Constitution and the rule of law. As partners, we stand ready to support such a dialogue in any way that is useful."

Two opposition supporters were killed during demonstrations in the Western town of Siaya on Monday, one from a head injury after falling down while running from anti-riot police officers who lobbed teargas canisters at the protesters in the lakeside city of Kisumu also in Western Kenya.

The police said one of the critically wounded protesters in Siaya succumbed to injuries on Tuesday while at the hospital, bringing death toll so far to four.

"We urge the government of Kenya to investigate the actions of the security services and to hold accountable anyone responsible for the use of excessive force. We call on all demonstrators to act peacefully," the statement said.

The police said on Tuesday 11 anti-riot police officers were injured during the protests in Siaya County and were airlifted to Nairobi for specialized treatment after they sustained injuries during demonstrations in the lakeside town.

The officers were hurt on their hands, head while some suffered broken limbs as protesters engaged them in running battles.

More than ten opposition demonstrators were reportedly shot by the anti-riot police officers who had been deployed to quell such riots across the country.

Anti-riot police equipped with shields and batons used tear gas and water canon to disperse protesters who tried to gather in the capital Nairobi and the port city of Mombasa including five other towns across the country.

CORD, a leading opposition party, which lost the 2013 election, accuses the electoral commissioners of bias and lack of independence and insists that the same officials should not be allowed to preside over the 2017 general election.

The ruling Jubilee party defends the officials thus leading to protests, now in their fourth week.

Some of the IEBC officials have been implicated in bribery and corruption in a British court. The directors of a British company, Smith and Ozman, which supplied Kenya's 2013 electoral materials, have already been convicted of bribing the Kenyan officials.

The East African nation once a beacon of peace in the volatile region, has launched an investigation against politicians it accuses of sourcing funds to destabilize the country.

Government Spokesman Eric Kiraithe said the politicians whom he did not name, have been looking for funds in and out of the country to enable them execute their scheme.

"I can tell you they are politicians and it is to destabilize Kenya to create extra-constitutional means they desire so that they can have political power," Kiraithe told journalists in Nairobi.

"It is the same script like the 2007 when people occupied other people's houses they didn't build. This is a calculated move to ensure the riots are self propelled," he added.

More than 20 people appeared in various courts in Nairobi and Western Kenya charged with taking part in "unlawful assembly" during Monday protests against the IEBC.

They all denied the charges and were freed on 100 U.S. dollars each bond and alternative cash bail of 20 dollars each. Endit