Government warns Britons of Kenyan violence (Roundup)

By Rich Bowden, M&C Staff Writer Jan 1, 2008, 13:49 GMT

Angry Orange Democratic Movement supporters barrack police as they arrive in a car on the streets of Nakuru, some 250 Km west of the capital City ,Nairobi, 1 January Wednesday,2008. The European Union Observer Mission says Kenya elections were marred by lack of transparency in the processing and tallying of presidential results, which raised concerns about accuracy of the final result. EPA/Jacob Wire EPA

(M&C) - The government has warned Britons living in Kenya to remain indoors as riots continue following the country's disputed elections.

The Foreign Office has also advised against any but the most essential travel to Kenya and warned UK citizens against visiting the centre of the capital Nairobi and the town's Uhuru Park as well as parts of the city of Mombasa.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown has spoken with Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki and opposition leader Raila Odinga to urge "unity and reconciliation".

A spokesman for Mr Brown said: "With both he expressed the UK's concerns about the conduct of the Kenyan elections, but strongly urged both to work for unity and reconciliation."

"All sides should exercise and work for a solution that reflects the will of the Kenyan people."

Around 7,000 Britons are believed to be holidaying in Kenya though there have been no reports of any having been caught up in the post-election violence.

Meanwhile EU election monitors have said the Kenyan poll feel short of international standards casting doubt on the re-election of President Mwai Kibaki. The latest Red Cross reports have estimated around 120 people to have been killed in the post-election violence.