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Nairobi-The European Union is deploying its largest election observer mission this year to Kenya, investing $6.8m to monitor polls in what it calls a "high priority" country, say officials.At least 150 election monitors were set to arrive in the East African country, which was seen as a beacon in a region mired in conflict and humanitarian crises.Alexander Graf Lambsdorff, the EU's chief observer to Kenya, said: "Compared to countries in this region, Kenya stands out for stability, a market economy and since 2002 a solid electoral process. We ascribe great importance to a stable Kenya."East Africa's largest economy was bordered by lawless and conflict-torn Somalia, Uganda, an impoverished country emerging from a 20-year insurgency, Ethiopia, which was accused of egregious human rights violations and Sudan.The run-up to the December 27 elections had been marred by allegations of voter bribing in primaries, as well as a smattering of violence around the country.Lambsdorff confirms 'irregularities'
Kenya's largest supermarket chain notified police when hundreds of machetes were purchased from its stores, only to turn up days later in an assistant minister's car.Lambsdorff confirmed there had been some "irregularities" ahead of the vote, but warned against viewing these as a harbinger of what's to come in next month's general vote.Diplomats had warned that the closeness of the race - the two main candidates are neck-and-neck - could spur violence during the vote.President Mwai Kibaki was seeking a second term under the Party of National Unity, but polls showed rival Raila Odinga, of the Orange Democratic Movement was pulling ahead.
Kalonzo Musyoka of the Orange Democratic Movement of Kenya, now in third place, could be the king maker in what was seen as the closest race in Kenya's history.At least 14 million people were set to head to the polls next month.
As in the days of Noah....
