With unofficial results still coming in from Kenya's parliamentary and presidential elections, President Daniel arap Moi is in the lead over his nearest rival, Mwai Kibaki. President Moi appears to have been boosted by a strong showing in the west of the country, not normally a stronghold. The elections, which were held over two days, were marked by chaos at polling booths and there were widespread allegations of vote-rigging. On Wednesday President Moi's ruling party, Kanu, retreated from an earlier statement criticizing the Electoral Commission, and the government warned that it would deal swiftly with anyone who provoked violence. From Nairobi, our East Africa correspondent Cathy Jenkins reports:

The results coming in from around the country are still unofficial, but they do now show President Moi in a clear lead over his main rival, Mwai Kibaki, the leader of the Democratic Party. Results declared in 163 of Kenya's 210 constituencies showed President Moi to be leading with 1.9 million votes, ahead of Mr Kibaki's 1.6 million.

The ruling party, Kanu, also appeared to be doing well in the parliamentary poll, although analysts predicted Kanu's final tally of seats may fall short of what it wanted. President Moi's advantage appears to have been helped by a strong showing in the west of Kenya, not normally a stronghold for him.

On Thursday, Kanu retreated from an earlier stance which had accused the Electoral Commission of rigging the poll against President Moi. In a sign of growing confidence, a government statement indicated that it now had confidence in the Commission.

The contradictory statements are only a further example of the confusions which have surrounded the flawed elections. In a further sign of renewed confidence, the government's statement gave a stern warning that anyone who incited unrest would be dealt with swiftly and that those responsible for law and order had already received instructions.