[President Barack Obama (left) in a past event in Kenya. Prior to August elections, he urged police to be neutral. Photo/nbc.com]
Retired US president Barack Obama had persuaded Kenyan security forces to act professionally and with neutrality prior to August polls elections.
But months after the cancelled elections, the country is still grappling with deaths of over 34 people most of who were allegedly shot by the police if Amnesty International report is anything to go by.
Last week, opposition leader Raila Odinga, called off the protests to allow his team ‘mourn with bereaved families’.
“I urge Kenyan security forces to act professionally and with neutrality and work together no matter the outcome,” said Obama, the first African American president, as reported by the New York Times.
With regard to political tension usually witnessed before polls he said:” Kenyan leaders should reject violence and incitement and respect the will of people.”
Security forces have come under intense criticism with civil rights groups accusing them of using excessive force to quell demonstrators, who have called for removal of certain electoral officials.
A decade ago, the Kenyan – American democrat president was at the helm of power when Kenya witnessed worst post-election violence that led to the death of over 1300 people.