ELECTIONS: Kenyans flee in droves, stock up for fear of ethnic violence

Scores of Kenyans are reportedly fleeing their country over fear that the fast approaching general elections scheduled for Tuesday, August 8, may spark ethnic violence among rival parties.

According to reports, household items like soap, long-life milk, maize flour and cooking oil are flying off the shelves of supermarkets in Nairobi as people stock up on foodstuff and other essential items amid fears that violent protests will break out once the result of the elections are announced.

Read also: Kenyan Deputy President attacked by gunmen

“We had one customer who bought 10 pieces of soap today, which is unusual. Long-life milk, tissues, sugar and rice are also popular,” said Margaret Wambui, a manager at Sweet World supermarket in Kawangware, a largely informal settlement north of the capital, Kenya.

There are also fears in some quarters that President Uhuru Kenyatta may just be gearing up to elongate his stay in office following the death of Chris Musando, deputy ICT director of Independence Electoral and Boundary Commission (IEBC) whose body was found after he went missing.

When Musonda’s body was found alongside an unidentified woman moments after his vehicle was seen parked in Roysambu, Nairobi, the police ruled out any foul play leading to his death.

 

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