Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Kenyan Prez Lost Vote, Says US Exit Poll

Unreleased results suggest Kibaki stole controversial election

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 14, 2008 2:10 PM CST
Email

(Newser) – A US-backed exit poll of voters in last month's Kenyan presidential elections found that incumbent Mwai Kibaki lost resoundingly to challenger Raila Odinga. The poll hasn’t been publicly released yet for unknown reasons, but sources say Odinga came out 8 percentage points ahead—well above the margin of error—throwing further doubt on Kibaki’s already suspicious victory, McClatchy reports.

“People want justice and truth,” one Kenyan said. “That can only be attained if there is an independent inquiry, and that will need independent sources like the exit poll.” Kibaki is seen in Kenya as a Bush ally, but the American diplomat for the region says the US supported transparent, fair elections.

Kenyan line up to casts their vote at a polling station in Nairobi, Kenya, Thursday, Dec. 27, 2007. Kenyans headed to the polls Thursday in a presidential election that is shaping up to be the closest in this East African country's history. (AP Photo/Akmal Rajput)
Kenyan line up to casts their vote at a polling station in Nairobi, Kenya, Thursday, Dec. 27, 2007. Kenyans headed to the polls Thursday in a presidential election that is shaping up to be the closest...   (Associated Press)
Opposition leader Raila Odinga is seen during a religious service at Jesus Is Alive Ministries Church in central Nairobi, Kenya, Sunday, Jan. 13, 2008. Kenya's main opposition party plans mass rallies across the East African nation to protest President Mwai Kibaki's disputed re-election, a spokesman said Friday. (AP Photo/Riccardo Gangale)
Opposition leader Raila Odinga is seen during a religious service at Jesus Is Alive Ministries Church in central Nairobi, Kenya, Sunday, Jan. 13, 2008. Kenya's main opposition party plans mass rallies...   (Associated Press)
Kenya President Mwai Kibaki speaks to displaced Kenyans living in a makeshift camp in the grounds of the cathedral in Eldoret, Kenya, Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2008. Kibaki made his first visit to a trouble spot Wednesday, traveling to western Kenya to address more than 1,000 people many of whom...
Kenya President Mwai Kibaki speaks to displaced Kenyans living in a makeshift camp in the grounds of the cathedral in Eldoret, Kenya, Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2008. Kibaki made his first visit to a trouble...   (Associated Press)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

East African election observers join chorus of doubters
The East African

Kenya rejects Annan's mediation
AFP

Opposition must learn from Zimbabwe, take Kibaki to court
allAfrica.com

 
Kenya • International Republican Institute • Mwai Kibaki • Raila Odinga • Kenyan elections

More Newser Stories

West African Leaders Push Ivory Coast's Gbagbo to Leave

Kenya Feels Betrayed by 'Brother Barack'

In Kenya, Clinton Blasts Graft, Corruption

Fierce Rivalries Shape, Threaten Kenyan Politics

Kenya Mourns Double Tragedy That Killed 136
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne