[JURIST] International representatives and Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki [official profile] have called for a halt to violence that continued to escalate among rival groups over constitutional reforms [JURIST report] to be voted on in November [JURIST report]. A statement signed by 26 countries, including the US, Japan, Canada and the EU, called for a free and transparent reform process that maintained human rights in the country. US Ambassador to Kenya William Bellamy [official profile] called on all parties to adhere to regulations during the reform campaign. The constitutional reforms, the first since the country gained independence in 1963, have split the government and public in Kenya [JURIST news archive]. Violence most recently broke out in a Nairobi suburb, leaving several people injured after rival groups fought. From Kenya, the Standard has local coverage. AFP has more.

Previously in JURIST's Paper Chase...

• Kenya constitutional referendum set for November 21
• Debate over Kenya constitution draft intensifies
• Kenya releases final draft of new constitution