Nairoba: The Kenyan government today suspended all live radio and television news reports as riots spread across the country following President Mwai Kibaki's re-election, the information ministry said.

"I am directed by the minister for internal security John Michuki that in the interest of public safety and tranquility I order the immediate suspension of live broadcast until further notice," ministry of information permanent secretary Bitange Ndemo said in a statement.

"I am also directed to order that all media houses and journalists in general stop forthwith any broadcast of inciting or alarming material and take responsibility for such broadcasting with the law," he added.

The measure was announced as disgruntled supporters of defeated presidential challenger Raila Odinga took to the streets in several cities across the country, including Nairobi and several opposition strongholds in western Kenya.

At least five people have been shot dead by police in western Kenya since the electoral commission today declared Kibaki's victory amid allegations of vote rigging.

Source : PTI