The civil society has commended the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission for conducting 'free and fair' elections.

Addressing two news conferences yesterday, community-based organisations said despite the technical hitches experienced by IEBC, it has so far conducted itself in a transparent manner.

But Mwinyi Mbwana of Likoni Community Development Programme cautioned leaders against making reckless statements that may cause tension.

"Stop inciting people through your statements. These must be carefully though before they are made," said Mbwana at a Mombasa hotel yesterday.

Muslims for Human Rights said leaders must unite the country. "We urge aspirants who lost to accept defeat and join others in building the nation. But should they strongly feel they were wronged, they should follow proper channels .

"Public utterances and media outbursts only act to raise tension," said Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya's Fowzy Twaha in another press conference at Muhuri offices. Hamisa Zaja, chair of Mombasa Local Urban Forum, condemned the attacks on IEBC and police officers in Mombasa.