In Kenya, at least 300 people have died in ethnic fighting following last week’s disputed presidential election. At least thirty people were burned alive on Tuesday when a church was set on fire. Police estimated that 75,000 Kenyans have fled their homes due to what has been described as the worst violence in Kenya since 1982. On Sunday, Kenya’s Election Commission declared President Mwai Kibaki the winner of Thursday’s election, but immediately questions were raised about the fairness of the vote. Early results showed opposition leader Raila Odinga well ahead. In some areas, there were more votes for the president than registered voters. The European Union said that there was clear evidence of ballot rigging.

EU Chief Observer Alexander Graf Lambsdorff: “As far as the electoral process is concerned I have said very clearly the tallying process lacks credibility, and despite the good efforts of Chairman Kivuitu, the ECK has not fulfilled its responsibilities to create such a process that is credible and is acceptable to all parties and candidates.”

The United States and several European nations are calling for a recount. But Kenya’s president Mwai Kibaki has refused such an inquiry. Kibaki’s government is now accusing opposition leader Raila Odinga of fomenting ethnic conflict and destabilizing the country. Odinga is planning to hold an alternative swearing-in ceremony at a rally in Nairobi on Thursday.

bq.Raila Odinga: “There can be no peace when there is injustice. Injustice committed by the Electoral Commission together with Mr. Kibaki is what has brought the country to where it is, and that is the injustice is what must be dealt with, and it will only be dealt with by President Kibaki resigning from office, because he was not elected by the people of this country as their president.”