UNITED NATIONS, Jan. 11 (UPI) -- U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is calling for an end to the political crisis following the Kenyan elections that have resulted in hundreds of deaths.
U.N. officials estimate the death toll resulting from the violent upheaval following the controversial elections in Kenya has reached 500. On Friday Ban urged leaders in Kenya to quickly resolve the political crisis, the United Nations reported.
"In the face of the deeply troubling situation in Kenya, the Secretary-General calls once again on the political leadership of Kenya to find -- urgently -- an acceptable solution through dialogue so that the political crisis is resolved and the country returns to its peaceful and democratic path," Ban's spokesperson said in a statement.
Officials say as many as 250,000 Kenyans have fled their homes as a result of the violence, prompting serious concerns about an escalating humanitarian crisis.
Ban called the conflict in Kenya worrisome and demanded an end to the murderous violence and abuse of women and children.
"The killings must stop, alleged human rights violations should be investigated and those found responsible for crimes should be held accountable for their actions," Ban said.
