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2017 KENYA ELECTIONS

Diplomats call for peace amid election date uncertainty

In a joint statement, the heads of missions said unwarranted baseless attacks levelled against independent institutions like the Judiciary and IEBC risk undermining the prevalence of peace in the country/FILE

NAIROBI, Kenya Sep 19 – Diplomats on Tuesday appealed to political leaders and citizens to desist from negative rhetoric and actions that may plunge the country into a political turmoil ahead of the repeat presidential election which seems uncertain due to the strict timelines and demands from the Opposition.

In a joint statement, the heads of missions said unwarranted baseless attacks levelled against independent institutions like the Judiciary and IEBC risk undermining the prevalence of peace in the country.

“There have been unfounded attacks on individuals and institutions, for instance on the Judiciary and the IEBC. While we support freedom of speech, baseless attacks and lies must stop and leaders on all sides should work to ensure they do,” read part of the statement.

The ambassadors also urged the relevant authorities to move with speed and act proactively in controlling and bringing to book the perpetrators found propagating hate speech messages.

“We urge the Kenyan authorities to hold to account those responsible for hate speech and incitement and to ensure the safety of those wrongly attacked,” read the statement.

The statement comes a day after a petition was filed at the Judicial Service Commission seeking the removal of Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu and Justice Isaac Lenaola over alleged misconduct during the hearing of Raila Odinga’s petition.

The heads of mission led by Ambassador of United States to Kenya, Robert Godec further assured the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) of their full support even as they prepare to ensure the irregularities and illegalities witnessed in the August 8 poll as pronounced by the Supreme Court do not recur.

“We will continue to work with the IEBC and with all Kenyans who seek to ensure the new presidential election is free, fair, and credible,” the diplomats affirmed.

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