[US Ambassador to Kenya Robert Godec. He led other envoys in opposing Jubilee’s change of electoral law.] (Photo/Ghafla)
Jubilee’s push to have election laws changed has attracted the attention of foreign envoys, who have voiced their displeasure with the current happenings.
The envoys are now advising that the move could be detrimental to the stability of the country, considering Kenyans are to go to the polls in three weeks’ time.
The envoys, led by US Ambassador to Kenya Robert Godec, have threatened to ‘punish’ anyone undermining the existing peace.
Godec spoke during a meeting with the IEBC commissioners at the Bomasa of Kenya as the country prepares for the polls.
“The international community is watching Kenya and every step of its electoral process. We are also watching what politicians are saying and doing. Some Kenyans are stoking community tensions and it must stop. The US will take action, including travel bans and withdrawal of visas if need be,” said Mr Godec in a statement that was signed by 14 envoys.
He added: “The draft Election Laws Amendment Bill, for example, puts at risk the IEBC’s ability to conduct a better election within the mandated 60-day timeline and unnecessarily increases political tensions. Kenyans can debate whether or not electoral changes are warranted, but the timing is a serious problem,”
The envoys urged the IEBC to ensure they work and deliver on their mandate, and that they should not allow the politicians to dictate their work.
NASA and Jubilee have been at loggerheads in recent weeks, with the ruling party rubbishing most of the opposition’s demands.