Pinoys in Kenya advised to stay away from rallies

The Philippine embassy in Nairobi has advised the 140 Filipino nationals in Kenya to “keep clear of protest rallies and areas prone to violence" in view of political and ethnic violence that has already killed nearly 500 people following Kenya’s disputed presidential election.

Philippine Ambassador to Nairobi Maria Rosario Janolo informed the Department of Foreign Affairs that no Filipino has so far been reported hurt from the rioting and violence that erupted in the aftermath of the Dec. 27 election, DFA spokesman Claro Cristobal said on Tuesday.

Kenya's political opposition leader canceled on Monday a planned a nationwide protest rallies amid fears they could ignite new bloodletting after political and ethnic violence that erupted following the announcement that incumbent President Mwai Kibaki had narrowly won the Dec 27 vote.

A statement from the permanent secretary to the Ministry of Special Programs, Rachel Arunga, put the toll at 486 dead with some 255,000 people displaced from their homes. - GMANews.TV

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