African Union leaves no room for error for Kenya's electoral body

The African Union is confident that Kenyas August 8 General Election will be peaceful.

The African Union Commission chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat has expressed satisfaction with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) preparedness to deliver credible and peaceful elections.

“Kenyans deserve free, fair, credible elections. Failure is not an option. Let justice remain your shield and defender,” the AUC chairperson said.

The AU chairperson however called on the electoral body to ensure that there was clarity in the electoral process to remove any suspicion of rigging.

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He stressed the need for a free and fair election when he met with opposition candidate Raila Odinga on Thursday ahead of his meeting with the President Uhuru Kenyatta, who is seeking reelection.

“The upcoming polls are a key step towards a stronger democracy and resilient institutions in Kenya and of vital importance for Africa. I trust Kenya’s leaders will demonstrate wisdom, sense of responsibility that the current circumstances so compellingly call for,” he said.

Uhuru told the AU monitor team that the opposition was engaged in a blatant campaign to force a postponement of August elections to subvert the will of Kenyans.

“We have persistently declared that we are ready to accept the will of the people, but the opposition adamantly refuses to submit itself to that commitment,” said the President. “The reason is simple. Subversion of the will of Kenyans.” Uhuru told the African Union.

Mr. Mahamat however played down Raila and Uhuru's differences and urged the two presidential candidates to ensure there was peace before and after the general elections set for next month.

The AU’s vote of confidence in Kenya’s ability to remain peaceful after elections is quite contrary to Monitors from the European Union Election Observation Mission view who last month gave a damning report that post-election violence is likely to be witnessed in Kenya.

The Chadian diplomat together with the AU election observers led by the former South African President Thabo Mbeki concluded their two-day visit of the country on Thursday.