U.N. says 600,000 refugees in Kenya

UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 11 (UPI) -- The United Nations estimated that as many as 600,000 people have fled their homes because of political upheaval in Kenya.

U.N. officials said Monday about half of the refugees were staying in a network of 300 camps while the rest are likely staying with friends and family in areas away from the violence.

John Holmes, the head of U.N. relief effort in Kenya, told the BBC that donations were needed to maintain and consolidate the camps until a political deal is worked out at talks taking place in Nairobi.

Around 1,000 people have been killed in rioting and other clashes since the presidential election that opposition leaders allege was rigged in favor of Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki.