Uhuru Kenyatta, incumbent, and Raila Odinga, challenger
[Africa: Kenya’s Election]
Twenty Ambassadors and High-Commissioners from foreign countries accredited to Kenya have issued a joint statement expressing concern about the country’s ability to hold credible elections as currently scheduled for October 26. Challenger Raila Odinga has already withdrawn from the election after complaining that the reforms called for by the Supreme Court when it annulled the August Presidential election have not been carried out by the Independent Elections and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
As friends, we want Kenya to succeed. We share with Kenyans their desire for a peaceful, prosperous, democratic, and well-governed country, where everyone can build a better life for themselves and their families. Indeed, we know Kenyans have fought for these things with great courage, as we were reminded powerfully on Mashujaa Day.
All the nations that we represent have had their struggles in building democracy. Kenya is one of the international family of democracies. Holding a successful new presidential election, as ordered by the Supreme Court on September 1, will help Kenya achieve these goals. Unfortunately, the deteriorating political environment is undermining preparations for the new presidential election. Inflammatory rhetoric, attacks on institutions, and growing insecurity all make holding a credible and fair poll more difficult.
IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati and former Commissioner Roselyn Akombe raised serious concerns that deserve attention and require action. Kenyans and particularly Kenyas politicians should be careful not to destroy things built over years of hard work and sacrifice. It is easier to tear down than to build up. But it is dangerous, and it must stop. This is particularly true for the Constitution.
Kenya’s Constitution is remarkable, and it enshrines fundamental values and guarantees the rights of citizens. It came out of a period of deep pain for the country. Many of todays politicians and leaders had crucial roles in drafting it and explaining it to the Kenyan people. Solutions to Kenya’s current challenges must be found in its Constitution, not outside it. Only the Constitution guarantees rights and justice for all, and can build a country that is fair for everyone, not just those with wealth and power.
This election must be held in accord with the Constitution and laws, as interpreted by the courts. Attempts to change the law at the last moment are also not helpful, and we call again on President Kenyatta not to sign the electoral law amendments that are now on his desk. While time is now extremely brief, we again urge all parties to engage in serious dialogue with the IEBC and to cease any interference in its operation. Following the Supreme Court decision, the IEBC has made changes in personnel and procedures that address many of the concerns raised and that strengthen its technical ability to conduct an election.
We urge all parties to work collaboratively and in good faith on any additional changes that will further strengthen this essential institution and allow the best possible election. We respect the right of NASA candidates Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka to withdraw their candidacies, but regret their decision. We have been engaged in efforts to find a way that will encourage them to rejoin, and continue to hope they will do so in light of the progress made at the IEBC and our shared commitment to the democratic electoral process.
The new election must be carried out in accordance with the Constitution and court order, but it is vital that it be credible and be held in a competitive, peaceful, and participatory environment. Respect for the law is vital for every Kenyan. Once again, we strongly urge the security services to protect the rights of demonstrators and to use minimum force when seeking to protect lives and property. We believe it is essential that police supervisors and officers who commit wrong-doing be prosecuted and punished.
Similarly, while demonstrators have a right to have their voice heard, they must do so peacefully and with full respect for others welfare and property. Attacks on IEBC staff must cease now. No-one is obliged to stand for office, or to vote if they do not wish to. But no-one should use violence or intimidation to disrupt the right of others to vote or to participate. Doing so is profoundly undemocratic, and leaders must tell their supporters to refrain from such actions.
In the coming days, the whole world will be watching Kenya and its every step in this electoral process. In particular, we are following closely the actions of leaders and politicians. Those who incite violence or undermine democracy should be held to account for their actions. Kenyans are fortunate in having the right to choose their leaders. This is one of the great things about being a Kenyan. Not everyone in the world enjoys this right, and it is precious. When this election is held, Kenyans may choose to vote or not; to support whichever candidate they choose, or none; to express their views peacefully to whomever will listen, in whatever forum they think best.
Now and after the election, we urge Kenyans to renew and redouble their national dialogue about how to unite the country, end ethnic and tribal conflict, and allow everyone to share in the countrys bounty. Above all, in the days ahead, we urge Kenyans to choose Kenya to work in word and deed for the common good of this great country.
We stand with you in that important work.
Thank you.
Robert F. Godec Ambassador of the United States Stefano
A. Dejak Ambassador of the European Union
Mette Knudsen Ambassador of Denmark
Anna Jardfelt Ambassador of Sweden
Mauro Massoni Ambassador of Italy
Frans Makken Ambassador of the Netherlands
Nicolas Nihon Ambassador of Belgium
Harald Günther Ambassador of Austria
Javier García de Viedma Bernaldo de Quirós Ambassador of Spain
Luisa Fragoso Chargé dAffaires a.i, Portugal
Nic Hailey High Commissioner for the United Kingdom
Victor Conrad Rønneberg Ambassador of Norway
Jutta Frasch Ambassador of Germany
Ralf Heckner Ambassador of Switzerland
Tarja Fernández Ambassador of Finland
Antoine Sivan Ambassador of France
Frantisek Dlhopolcek Ambassador of Slovakia
Dr. Vincent ONeill Ambassador of Ireland
Pavel Rezac Ambassador of the Czech Republic
Quinton Devlin Deputy High Commissioner a.i., Australia
