NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 9 – President Mwai Kibaki has held discussions with members of the Interim Independent Electoral Commission of Kenya led by the Chairman Ahmed Issack Hassan.
During the talks at his Harambee House office, President Kibaki expressed confidence that the newly constituted electoral body will strive to fulfil the broad mandate that has been bestowed on its members.
The President expressed optimism that the newly constituted electoral body had the capability to handle the momentous task ahead of it particularly the conduct of free and fair elections.
He said that the commissioners had been appointed through a very stringent and highly competitive process that sieved many other interested applicants.
The Head of State observed that the team comprised professionals who have distinguished themselves in various fields and urged them to focus on serving their motherland using their knowledge.
He also challenged the commissioners to acquaint themselves with outstanding electoral processes from other countries in the world to empower them in the execution of their mandate.
President Kibaki further assured the team of the government’s support in their undertakings both financially and materially.
Critical issues that the commission must focus on include compilation of new voter registers, voter education and supervision of elections to minimise electoral disputes.
In attendance were Justice Minister Mutula Kilonzo and his Foreign Affairs counterpart Moses Wetangula, Head Public Service and Secretary to the Cabinet Francis Muthaura.
Earlier President Kibaki met and held discussions with the Africa Head of Orthodox Church, His Beatitude Theodoros II.
The Orthodox Church Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and Africa commended the government for upholding the freedom of worship.
The two leaders noted that harmonious relations between the State and the Church need to be strengthened to stamp out challenges facing citizens particularly the disadvantaged.
During the occasion the Church leader donated $10,000 (Sh780,000) in support of the government’s efforts in the resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons affected by the post election violence.
President Kibaki applauded the relations existing between the Orthodox Church and his Government and underscored the need to work closely to assist disadvantaged members of the society.
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