European MPs call for unity in Kenya after divisive elections,ask Raila to respect the rule of law

david nganga

January 17, 2018 2:57 PM

NASA leader Raila Odinga has been put on the receiving end by the EU

Members of the European Parliament have called on Opposition leader Raila Odinga to respect and accept the decision of the Supreme Court with regards to last years presidential election.

The MPs, who discussed the political situation in Kenya on Tuesday evening, urged Mr. Odinga to refrain from questioning order or country as anxiety heightens over his planned swearing in later this month.

"Odinga should also refrain from questioning constitutional order or country. He should focus on peaceful means and shun anarchy and violence."

The convention urged politicians to join hands in uniting the country following divisions that occurred during the election period.

“No it is time for the government and opposition to engage in constructive dialogue in a reconciliation spirit. It is time for the Kenyan politicians to bring the people together and work towards an inclusive and socially cohesive society for all Kenyans. Political parties have an important responsibility in this process,” stated Charles Tannock.

While at it Cecilia Malmstrom noted that the October 26 repeat presidential election was better managed than the August 8 General Election.

“It had better and transparent procedures. What is worrying is the political conflict. The electoral laws were also changed very late. Changes should be done far in advance,” she said.

Marietje Schaake, who was the chief observer for the European Union Election Observation Mission in Kenya, said rights were not always applied by security officers during the electioneering period.

She told parliament that during the mission, they “never held Kenya to lower standards.”

Ms Schaake last week accused Kenya of frustrating its efforts to present its reports on October's presidential election in the country.

While she claimed that the government had said it was not ready to receive the mission, the government said releasing the report without its input was not procedural, condescending and disdainful.

The final report has 29 recommendations which the observers say Kenya should implement if it is to improve its election procedures. Key among them include strengthening independent institutions, promoting democracy within political parties, and developing the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation into a genuine public service broadcaster with full editorial and financial independence.

david nganga