Envoys condemn violence at demos, call for immediate talks

What you need to know:

  • In a statement on Tuesday evening, a dozen Western envoys in Nairobi reiterated that the problems with the Independent and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) can be resolved if parties sat down to talk.
  • They were reacting to Monday’s when supporters of the Coalition for Reform and Democracy (Cord) protesting against the IEBC whose commissioners they want to resign clashed with police.
  • The British government has pledged Sh566 million between 2015 and 2018 to support Kenya’s electoral system by helping build public confidence in the IEBC; and tackling organizational challenges such as planning and procurement.

Kenya’s main 12 donors have condemned Monday’s violent protests against the electoral commission and called for talks in a bid to avoid the possibility of the chaos spilling to the next elections.

This came as the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) warned that the protests were akin to the 2007/8 post-election violence and called for an immediate end to the weekly demonstrations.

Deputy President William Ruto also criticised the street protests and proposed a Parliament-led dialogue as a solution to the impasse surrounding the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

In a statement on Tuesday, 12 Western diplomats sounded an alarm at the growing trend of demonstrations.

“Violence will not resolve the issues regarding the future of the IEBC or ensure the 2017 elections are free and credible,” the envoys wrote.

“We strongly urge all Kenyans to come together to de-escalate the situation and to resolve their differences, taking every opportunity for inclusive dialogue.”

The diplomats who signed the statement included US Ambassador Robert Godec, European Head of Delegation Stefano-Antonio Dejak and UK High Commissioner Nic Hailey.

Others were High Commissioners John Feakes (Australia), Roxane de Bilderling (Belgium), David Angell (Canada) and Ambassadors Mette Knudsen (Denmark), Remi Marechaux (France), Jutta Frasch (Germany), Victor Rønneberg (Norway), Frans Makken (the Netherlands) and Johan Borgstam (Sweden).

They were reacting to clashes between demonstrators and riot police in which three people were killed as Cord leaders and supporters protested in eight counties seeking to eject IEBC commissioners from office.

Two people were reported dead in Siaya and another in Kisumu following the demos.

There were similar protests in Mombasa, Kakamega, Migori, Nakuru, Meru and Homa Bay.

Nine people were arrested and charged with taking part in an unlawful assembly.

Cord accuses the nine commissioners under chairman Ahmed Issack Hassan of corruption, incompetence and bias towards the ruling Jubilee coalition, charges the IEBC denies. Police have said some protests were illegal because they had no official notification.

The diplomats, who represent countries that have financed IEBC operations in the past, urged the government to investigate security officers involved in the fatal shootings.

TRAGIC AND UNNECESSARY

“The deaths and injuries of Kenyan citizens were tragic and unnecessary,” the envoys said.

“We urge the Government of Kenya to investigate the actions of the security services and to hold accountable anyone responsible for the use of excessive force.

“We call on all demonstrators to act peacefully.”

NCIC chairperson Francis ole Kaparo said the ongoing situation was resonant of the recklessness displayed in the buildup to 2007/8 post-election violence.

“What happened on Monday was a major happening in the wrong direction,” the former Parliament Speaker said.

“Ten years ago we had instances as the ones going on right now, which we thought was a game.

“Kenyans were charged and we took it lightly. But we ended up on the edge of the cliff.”

Speaking from Turkey, Mr Ruto urged the Opposition to stop the violent protests.

The Deputy President said: “Street engagement can only breed chaos, bloodshed, destruction and anarchy.

“Structured constitutional dialogue in Parliament is the only credible initiative. Representative parliamentary committee ready for the job.”

Muslim leaders led by the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (Supkem) chairman Abdulghafur El-Busaidy urged President Uhuru Kenyatta and Cord leader Raila Odinga to embrace dialogue.

“We urge the president and Cord leader Raila Odinga to swallow their pride and sit down to dialogue,” said Prof El-Busaidy.

Reported by Aggrey Mutambo, Pauline Kairu, Zadock Angira and Juma Namlola.