NASA leader Raila Odinga [Photo/kenyan-post.co.ke]
Over 15 foreign missions led by the United States have advised Opposition leader Raila Odinga to use the legal ways and for this case, the Supreme Court to stop presidential election.
The diplomats warned the Opposition to stop using violence and intimidation in an effort to stop the election from taking place as scheduled.
“But no one should use violence or intimidation to disrupt the right of others to vote or to participate. Doing so is profoundly undemocratic, and leaders must tell their supporters to refrain from such actions” warned the envoys in their statement.
Addressing a press conference in Nairobi Monday, the US Ambassador Robert Godec however regretted that NASA leader Raila Odinga and his running mate Kalonzo Musyoka withdrew from the race despite having successfully petitioned the Supreme Court to nullify the Presidential election results that handed Uhuru Kenyatta victory.
“We respect the right of NASA candidates Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka to withdraw their candidacies, but regret their decision. We have been engaged in efforts to find a way that will encourage them to rejoin, and continue to hope they will do so in light of the progress made at the IEBC and our shared commitment to the democratic electoral process” said Godec"The new election must be carried out in accordance with the Constitution and court order, but it is vital that it be credible and be held in a competitive, peaceful, and participatory environment. Respect for the law is vital for every Kenyan” he added.
He cautioned political leaders against interfering with independent institutions. The envoys urged President Uhuru Kenyatta not to sign into law the controversial Elections amendment Act.