Kenya's political crisis has led to shocking violence and the displacement of some 300,000 people, mainly in Western Kenya and the slums around Nairobi. Conflict erupted in the country following the disputed results of the presidential elections held on 27 December 2007 and the inauguration of President Kibaki a few days later. Tensions remain high in many towns across the country.

Kenya is host to some 270,000 refugees, nearly 200,000 of whom are from Somalia. As a country it experiences frequent droughts, yet up until now has been fairly stable politically. Therefore the latest descent into violence is a very worrying development. 

Photo credit: REUTERS/Mike Hutchings, courtesy: www.alertnet.org