At least 20 people killed in fighting between tribal gangs in Nairobi

(NAIROBI, Kenya) - Fighting between gangs from two main tribes killed at least 20 people in a poor neighborhood of Nairobi, the capital, police said Monday. <br><br>The violence began before dawn Sunday

Monday, March 4th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(NAIROBI, Kenya) - Fighting between gangs from two main tribes killed at least 20 people in a poor neighborhood of Nairobi, the capital, police said Monday.

The violence began before dawn Sunday in east Nairobi when members of the ``Taliban'' gang killed two members of the ``Mungiki'' gang, police spokesman Peter Kimanthi said.

In retaliation, the Mungiki attacked members of the Taliban gang, police said. At least 18 others died in the fighting before police moved into the area around dawn. Police arrested seven people and were investigating.

The Mungiki are mostly from Kenya's largest tribe, the Kikuyu. The Taliban gang draws its members from the Luo tribe of western Kenya.

Tribal violence in Kenya is often driven by political interests, particularly in election years.

General elections are expected in Kenya before the end of the year, when President Daniel arap Moi is expected to step down from the office he has held since 1978.

A Kikuyu and a Luo are among the potential presidential candidates.