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German Envoy Margit Hellwig who also graced the occasion called on politicians to engage on issues that affect the common people/FILE

Kenya

France optimistic of fair polls in Kenya

German Envoy Margit Hellwig who also graced the occasion called on politicians to engage on issues that affect the common people/ MAGARA FELIX

NAIROBI, Kenya, Sept 26 – French envoy to Kenya Etienne de Poncins has expressed optimism that the 2013 general elections will be free and fair.

Etienne said that the country had made the right choice by deciding to stick to the Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) kits.

The envoy who spoke during the Franco-German Human Rights Award Ceremony at the Alliance Française however said that many other processes other than voter registration had to be addressed to deliver a free poll.

“As the ambassador I am proud that a French company has been chosen to provide the kits, but the kits are just one part of the deal. All other obstacles have to be surmounted before the elections are held and I am sure that the elections will be free, fair and reliable. Kenya deserves it,” he said

German Envoy Margit Hellwig who also graced the occasion called on politicians to engage on issues that affect the common people like the provision of food, security and better healthcare during the campaign period.

“In Kenya there are no 40 tribes, we have the haves and the have-nots. It is the duty of every responsible politician to narrow the gap between the two,” she said.

On Monday the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) announced that it had signed a deal with the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC), for the supply of 15,000 Biometric Voter Registration kits.

Father John Webootsa, a catholic priest distinguished for his continuous effort at improving the living conditions of the Korogocho slum dwellers was feted at the award ceremony.

“As the ambassador I am proud that a French company has been chosen to provide the kits, but the kits are just one part of the deal. All other obstacles have to be surmounted before the elections are held and I am sure that the elections will be free, fair and reliable. Kenya deserves it,” he said

The cleric who was brought up in Mombasa was also honored for the on-going projects to rehabilitate the Dandora dump site.

In his acceptance, Webootsa expressed hope of changing the life of Korogocho slum dwellers for the better.

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He said: “We stay with my community in the slum not because we want to stay poor but because I believe together we will change Korogocho, we shall eradicate the slum and if the government does not do it we will do it from there.”

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