NAIROBI, Kenya – More than 20 people have died in Kenya following Friday’s agreement by the government and opposition on a framework peace plan.  Tribal gangs have continued to burn homes and tea plantations throughout the Rift Valley, sending even more residents from their homes.   

Further clashes have been reported in the Kericho district where opposition MP David Too was shot dead by a policeman on Thursday.  In Kericho, mobs set fire to slum dwellings inhabited by members of the Kikuyu tribe.  A youth manning a roadblock told Reuters: “Let Annan do his bit but there’s going to be no resolution.  The clashes will continue.” 

Also in the Rift Valley, in the town of Eldoret, a church was burned down by youths.  A witness said that those hiding inside the church managed to escape unharmed.   Furthermore, there are accusations that the police in Eldoret are using excessive violence, and that police have shot dead 16 people and injured 58 others in the last four days. 

For more information, please see:

Reuters – Kenya’s Rift Valley burns despite talks of peace – 2 February 2008

AFP – Dozens dead as clashes overshadow Kenya peace plans – 2 February 2008

AllAfrica.com – Kenya: Army Using Excessive Force in Eldoret – 2 February 2008

BBC News – Violence follows Kenya peace plan – 2 February 2008