At least 1 killed in party primaries in Kenya

At least one person was killed in Nairobi on Wednesday after being stabbed in the chest and another injured in clashes between rival political groups during party nominations in Nairobi.

Nairobi County police commander Japheth Koome confirmed that the deceased was stabbed twice in the chest and back before he ran away from the danger.

He was however later hit by a speeding minibus in Pangani area of Nairobi while crossing the road to escape from his attackers.

Koome said a post-mortem will be conducted to determine whether the death was caused by the stabbing or the knocking down by the car.

"The supporters of the candidate whose posters were being disfigured started a fight, which turned tragic. One supporter was stabbed and ran away but was hit by a speeding matatu (minibus) while the second one fell on the ground but was rushed to hospital in serious condition," said Koome.

He said police have been directed to be vigilant and prevent youth from campaigning during the nominations as it is illegal.

The police commander said the attackers escaped from the scene of the incident and efforts to arrest them were ongoing. The primaries for the ruling party started on a slow mode with many supporters saying the ballots were late to the centers.

The latest incident comes after the government warned politicians against stoking violence as chaotic party primaries set the stage for Kenya's upcoming elections.

Local television stations have shown pictures of angry voters vandalizing polling centers and burning ballots amid complaints that voting had started late in some areas and that some candidates' names had been left off the ballot.

Party primaries ahead of Aug. 8 general elections have been marked by chaotic scenes and poor planning in recent weeks as candidates battle to secure seats to lead the country's 47 local authorities. Endit