Nairobi  - Kenyan police are carrying out DNA tests on a man suspected of being a key financier of the Rwandan genocide, in which almost 1 million people died, reports said Saturday.

Nairobi - Kenyans went to the polls in five by-elections Wednesday in what is seen as the first major test for the grand coalition formed in April to end months of deadly post-election violence.

Two of the by-elections were aimed at replacing lawmakers who were shot dead, while another two were to fill seats left vacant after the violence prevented the results from being announced.

The final seat was vacated when Kenneth Marende gave up his seat to become parliamentary speaker.

Some fear that tribal conflicts could resurface during the by- elections. Polls opened early amid a heavy police presence, but no tension was reported by mid-morning.

Cape Town  - Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga believes the grand coalition that emerged from his country's post-election strife could serve a blueprint for the resolution of ethnic-based conflict

Nairobi/Mogadishu  - Unknown armed Somali groups have shot dead four Kenyan soldiers near the border between the two East African nations, Somali website Shabelle reported.

Nairobi - Kenyan police fired teargas Saturday to disperse several hundred demonstrators calling on the government to introduce subsidies to battle rising food prices.

Wellington -