Kenya sweeps away top-rank police

Nairobi, 08 Sept-(ANA)-The government in Kenya has replaced almost all of the country's most senior police officers in what analysts say could be the start of a major reform.

Human rights groups blame the police for much of the killing that took place during violence that followed elections in 2007.

The changes go to the top - ex-police commissioner Maj Gen Hussein Ali has been moved to the Post Office.

Human rights agencies have cautiously welcomed the changes.

Of all the Kenyan institutions needing reform, the police have been at the top of the list.

In the wave of reflection that followed the rioting over the disputed elections, the police were blamed for killing hundreds.

A UN report published this year described the killings as systematic and carried out with total impunity.

Human rights groups have consistently argued that there can be no justice in Kenya without complete reform of the police service. (ANA)

FA/ANA/08 September 2009---