Three dead in Nairobi fighting

Violent clashes between armed police and protestors in Nairobi have left three dead and a number seriously wounded.

A demonstration in support of rebel politician Ndura Waruinge prompted police to storm Kibera, a densely populated slum in the Kenyan capital, resulting in six hours of street battles in which at least four people suffered gunshot wounds in addition to the dead.

Mr Waruinge is the former leader of illegal religious sect Mungiki and plans to run in parliamentary elections due to take place next year.

The police invasion caused chaos in the slum, which is beset by gang warfare, and local reports suggested that some of the injured were suffering from machete wounds linked to warring slum factions.

Although the Foreign Office insists that most visits to the east African country are trouble free, it emphasises that those venturing away from the main tourist sites and game reserves ought to be aware that muggings, car jackings and kidnappings do occur.

The government also recommends that travellers "exercise caution" when attending political rallies, especially in the capital.