NAIROBI - Kenyans vote on Monday in a presidential election
that will test whether the east African nation can restore its reputation as one
of Africa's more stable democracies after a lethal ethnic rampage erupted
following the 2007 poll.
Outgoing President Mwai Kibaki, the candidates
and civil society groups have all appealed for a peaceful poll after the
disputed vote five years ago unleashed a wave of killing by rival tribes that
lasted weeks and left more than 1,200 dead.
"I also make a passionate
plea for all of us to vote peacefully. Indeed, peace is a cornerstone of our
development," Kibaki, barred from seeking a third five-year term, told Kenyans
in a televised address before polling day.