Last Updated on Sunday 22 October 2017
Addis Ababa and New York, 22 October 2017: The Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, continue to closely monitor developments in Kenya, in the light of the forthcoming presidential election.
Recalling the ruling of the Supreme Court of Kenya of 1 September ordering the holding of a new presidential election, the Secretary-General and the Chairperson of the Commission express the United Nations and African Union commitment to assist Kenya in ensuring a credible and transparent process and upholding the constitutional process. In this respect, they call on all stakeholders to cooperate with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, as the constitutionally-mandated body to conduct the election.
The Secretary-General and the Chairperson of the Commission urge all political actors, parties and their supporters to create conditions for peaceful election and refrain from any act of violence. It is critical that all concerned work towards the preservation of calm and peace in the country.
The Secretary-General and the Chairperson of the Commission stress the need for the Kenyan security services to exercise restraint, use minimal force in performing their duties and respect the freedom and political liberties of all Kenyans.
Posted by Temesgen Eyasu
Pope Francis ‘pays close attention to Kenya’ ahead of Thursday election
A file photo of Pope Francis giving an address at State House, Nairobi. /MONICAH MWANGI
Pope Francis on Sunday urged Kenyan political leaders to engage in dialogue and break the election stalemate for the sake of peace.
Kenya is expected to hold repeat elections on Thursday but the Opposition has declared that there will be no voting.
NASA leader Raila Odinga has said without reforms an election that has been predetermined cannot happen.
He has been leading anti-IEBC protests in different parts of the country to champion for the boycott.
But during Angelus prayer in Saint Peter’s square at the Vatican, Pope Francis told the gathered pilgrims to pray for peace in the world and more specifically Kenya.
“I am paying close attention in these days to Kenya, which I visited in 2015, and for which I pray 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,” Pope Francis said.
The crisis in Kenya reached a stalemate after the country’s Supreme Court annulled the results of president Uhuru Kenyatta held on August 8 of this year, citing “irregularities” and “illegalities” in the process.
Uncertainty over whether Raila will participate in the election and concerns that it may not proceed peacefully have left Kenya, in an often chaotic region, mired in political crisis.