[Opposition leader Raila Odinga in a past rally. A US paper has challenged President Uhuru Kenyatta to hold dialogue with him. Photo/Nation]
Most influential US newspaper, the New York Times has challenged President Uhuru Kenyatta and his main challenger, Raila Odinga to go for round table talks to avert ‘possible violence’.
A fortnight ago, envoys from European countries and the US piled pressure on the two protagonists to drop their hard stands and allow IEBC to conduct elections without external duress.
In its Friday editorial, the paper also challenged IEBC to implement reforms in line with Supreme Court ruling to avert bloodshed.
“Both Odinga and Kenyatta should talk to end the stalemate. They should make peace and restrain their followers and agree on ways to ensure a fair election,” read the paper.
It further said: “The electoral commission should also implement reforms to avert possible bloodshed if the October elections will take place without Odinga.”
While Odinga maintains that he will not participate in the October 26h elections without reforms in IEBC, Uhuru is keen to ensure elections take place.
IEBC included Odinga’s name on ballot papers even after he withdrew from the race, citing unpreparedness by the commission.