MIGORI, Kenya, Jan. 16 (UPI) -- Tensions mounted in Western Kenya amid claims that Ugandan troops entered the country, allegedly with the backing of Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki.

Claims of gunmen in civilian clothing -- using Ugandan-registered vehicles and shooting at protesters -- followed the Dec. 30 Kenyan election in which Kibaki claimed victory amid charges the election was rigged.

Opposition Leader Raila Odinga of the Orange Democratic Movement told a Ugandan radio station that Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni assured him there was no Ugandan military presence inside Kenya despite mounting rumors to the contrary, the independent Daily Nation in Kenya reported Wednesday.

Some feared Museveni's congratulatory message to Kibaki signaled Uganda's willingness to put down the ODM opposition movement, the report said.

ODM MP's Chris Okemo, Ababu Namwamba and Oburu Oginga told a news conference Sunday they had evidence of Ugandan military in the area, as various villagers claimed there were suspicious activities in the western Kenyan provinces.

Provincial police chiefs said they had no evidence to suggest foreign troops were operating in the area, bur some local residents threatened to torch a hotel suspected of harboring foreign troops.

Police fired tear gas at protesters Wednesday.