video transcript

Calm has returned to Kenya's coastal city of Mombasa on Tuesday morning after at least 15 people, including nine security officers, were killed ahead of Monday's tensely contested elections. Regional police said that just hours before voting began the security officers, sent to keep the peace, were killed by machete-wielding gangs. On Tuesday residents of the tourist hub went about their business amid mild apprehension. (SOUNDBITE) MOMBASA RESIDENT, JOHN YEGO, SAYING: "There was a bit of tension yesterday after we heard that policemen had been killed but things are slowly retuning to normal now. People have no issues and are keenly waiting to hear the announcement of results." Police suspect the attacks were carried out by members of the separatist Mombasa Republican Council, but the MRC has denied any responsibility. Partial tallies show 51-year old deputy prime ministry Uhuru Kenyatta in the lead, over his rival, Prime Minister Raila Odinga. Kenyatta's lead held through counting overnight but could still be overhauled with about two-thirds of polling stations yet to report. A final count is expected on Wednesday.