Kenya's political crisis deepens as many voters boycott presidential election

JOHANNESBURG - Kenya's political crisis deepened Thursday as many Kenyans stayed away from a repeat presidential election because of an opposition boycott, protests and security fears.

The low turnout raised further doubts about the credibility of a disputed process that has seen violence and death threats against judges and electoral officials.

Turnout was low in opposition strongholds, including western and coastal areas, and polling stations failed to open in some areas. Riot police fired tear gas and water cannons at opposition demonstrators protesting the legitimacy of the poll and in some areas