African Union condemns Raila's swearing in and asks Kenyans to renounce it

The African Union (AU) has added its voice to the swearing in of Kenya’s opposition chief, Raila Odinga as the ‘People’s President’ on January 30.

AU released a statement yesterday where it said it was closely following up the evolution of the political situation in Kenya.

AU chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat condemned the swearing in ceremony saying it went against the Kenyan constitution, adding that President Uhuru Kenyatta was dully elected.

“The Chairperson of the Commission recalls that an African Union Election Observer Mission led by former President Thabo Mbeki observed the elections whose results were validated by the Kenyan Constitutional Court. Against this backdrop, and in line with its relevant instruments, notably the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance,the African Union rejects all actions that undermine constitutional order and the rule of law.

Chairperson urges all concerned to desist from any such actions, which also put the political stability of Kenya at risk. He urges all stakeholders to act in strict compliance with the Constitution of Kenya and other relevant texts. “ Part of the statement read.

Raila Odinga was boycotted the October fresh presidential elections was sworn in as the "people's president" on January 30 in an event that was followed widely by the international press, in a move interpreted by many as aimed at adding pressure to President Uhuru Kenyatta and international community to call for dialogue and electoral reforms in the country.

AU called on all parties to follow the rule of law while championing for reforms and offered to mediate to defuse the tense political situation.

“The Chairperson of the Commission urges the people of Kenya to earnestly continue on the path of the rule of law and consolidation of their democratic institutions, and to eschew any acts that could undermine the stability of their country and its socio-economic development. He expresses the readiness of the African Union to assist in any way deemed appropriate in defusing the current tension on the basis of the fundamental principle of the respect of constitutional order and the rule of law.”

AU statement comes on the backdrop of United States statement which similarly condemned Raila’s swearing in.