The European Union Election Observer Mission Chief Ms. Marietje Schaake. She has said she was never received in the country. [Photo/Courtesy]
The European Union has accused Kenya of failing to receive its Chief Observer Ms. Marietje Schaake to present a report on last year’s election.
The union, through a report released on Wednesday, said by doing so, the country refused to accept the mission’s final report on the October 26 polls, in which President Kenyatta won despite Raila Odinga withdrawing from the race.
“As previously agreed with the Kenyan authorities, the EU EOM has published its final report within three months of the 26th October election. The report was released in Brussels after the Kenyan government stated it was not prepared to receive the Chief Observer in Nairobi at this time,” said Ms. Schaake.
Kenya has however refuted the claims, saying the report want never presented in a procedural manner.
“Kenya regrets the unprocedural and premature manner in which the Final Report of the EU Election Observation Mission has been released by Hon. Marietje Schaake. Her action has breached the terms of Kenya’s Memorandum of Understanding on Election monitoring with the European Union,” read the statement.
The report, however, gives Kenya's October 26 polls a clean bill of health, saying it was more transparent compared ot the August elections.
It, however, dents the process by saying the opposition and other stakeholders did not approve of the elections, especially after the Opposition withdrew their participation.