KENYA:The slums of the Kenyan capital were gradually returning to normal yesterday as plans for a second day of demonstrations against flawed elections fizzled out, writes Rob Crillyin Nairobi.
Stalls reopened and people emerged from the sanctuary of their mudbrick homes after violent scenes on Thursday, when opposition supporters took on police in a series of running battles across the city.
Meanwhile, opposition politicians called for a rerun of last week's presidential ballot. But their planned protests failed to materialise as many ordinary Kenyans said they would simply rather buy food or return to work.
"We're tired, we're not going to march," said Samuel Muhati, a resident of the Mathare slum. "Let the fighting stop."
The United Nations said that about 500,000 people were in dire need of humanitarian assistance following a week of roadblocks and ethnic violence.
At least 300 people have died since President Mwai Kibaki was sworn in for a second, disputed term on Sunday. Raila Odinga, who had an early lead as votes were tallied, accuses him of rigging the election.
The political dispute has also a tribal dimension, pitting Mr Kibaki's Kikuyu supporters against Mr Odinga's Luos from western Kenya, reawakening long-standing hostility.
Yesterday, Mr Odinga's Orange Democratic Movement said fresh elections should be held within three months.
"The way forward will involve a transitional arrangement during which proper preparation can be made for a new election that will be transparent and democratic," said Anyang Nyongo, ODM secretary general. The government has insisted there is no need for an investigation or international mediation. But yesterday an official spokesman suggested a fresh election might be possible under certain conditions.
"We would accept even another election, as long as the constitution is followed," said Alfred Mutua. "If the courts decide it, we would accept that."
Desmond Tutu, the former archbishop of Cape Town, met Mr Kibaki yesterday after spending two hours with Mr Odinga on Thursday. He said he was optimistic that a political solution could be found. "There is a great deal of hope since both the Orange Democratic Movement and government have indicated they are open to negotiations," he told a press conference.
"The president was not averse to the formation of coalitions - but clearly there has to be an acceptance that there is a governing authority in the country."
Jendayi Frazer, US assistant secretary of state, was due to arrive in Kenya yesterday to push further for a compromise.
Earlier opposition politicians had said they would continue to mobilise supporters and promised daily protests. Few heeded the call. Many shops were open for business yesterday and traffic gradually returned to streets.
Shoppers flocked to supermarkets trying to stock up before any resumption of violence. However, there were reports of trouble elsewhere. Police in the port city of Mombasa fired tear gas to disperse about 200 Muslim anti-government demonstrators after Friday prayers.
Many people have moved out of Nairobi's congested slums to sanctuaries wherever they can find them, often sleeping under the stars. Hundreds have left Kibera - Africa's largest slum - for the neat lawns of a nearby park.
Pius Kidinga, whose house was burned down four days ago, said he had brought his four children to Jamhuri Park to escape the threat of more violence.
"Some of us are here because we have lost our homes, others were evicted for being from the wrong tribe," he said. "We don't feel much safer here, but it is better than going back yet."