Tensions run high in Kenya vote count

The reading of Kenya's election results was halted today when an opposition politician repeatedly demanded a recount in one constituency…

The reading of Kenya's election results was halted today when an opposition politician repeatedly demanded a recount in one constituency, prompting scuffles, shouting and police intervention.

James Orengo, of the Orange Democratic Movement, grabbed a microphone to stop Electoral Commission of Kenya (ECK) chairman Samuel Kivuitu reading out the latest results.

Paramilitary police rushed in to escort ECK officials away from the podium. "Be seated ... I'm tired," pleaded Kivuitu in the latest of many chaotic scenes in the ECK's headquarters at a Nairobi conference centre surrounded by armed guards but packed with party agents and journalists.

"Nobody can push me, not even you!" Kivuitu told politicians as he resumed his seat ten minutes later. "But if it is impossible for me to carry on (with) my work, I can go home."

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Delays in results have raised tensions around the nation, with political parties trading rigging accusations, and riots erupting in most major cities.