The head of the Catholic Church Pope Francis has called for dialogue in Kenya where political tension is rising ahead of this week's re-run of the cancelled presidential poll.

Speaking during a prayer service in Italy, the Pope said he was following the situation in Kenya with "close attention".

He also said he was praying "that the whole country might be able to face the current difficulties in a climate of constructive dialogue, having at heart the search for the common good".

Almost a third of Kenya's population are Catholics, according to data from The Vatican.

Raila Odinga had been due to compete against President Uhuru Kenyatta in a repeat of Kenya's presidential election on Thursday, but pulled out earlier this month, saying the polls would not be free and fair

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