US Ambassador to Kenya Bob Godec, at a past IEBC event. [Photo|US Embassy Nairobi]As Kenyans await fresh presidential election, foreign envoys have urge all Kenyan leaders and citizens to reject violence. Foreign envoys have warned that the international community is watching Kenya and every step of its electoral process, and what politicians are saying and doing. "Kenyan leaders should publicly reject violence and ensure their supporters do the same. Some Kenyans are stoking community tensions and it must stop," said US Ambassador to Kenya, Bob Godec, Monday.In a joint statement, the envoys cited police brutality meted on University of Nairobi and Technical University of Kenya students last week, saying security services should use the utmost restraint in handling demonstrations, and any response must be proportionate and measured. "We urge independent investigations into all allegations of abuse of force. Those who are guilty of abuse should be held accountable under the law."The leaders also said freedom of the media is essential, and that the media should be protected and allowed to cover the election without intimidation. "All media, both traditional and new, should be independent, fair, and balanced in coverage, and work to avoid spreading distortions and misinformation."Addressing the press, at the Bomas of Kenya, the envoys, led by Godec, the envoys also an upsurge, especially in social media, of troubling “fake news,” hate speech, and ethnic profiling. "In addition, there have been unfounded attacks on individuals and institutions, for instance on the judiciary and the IEBC. While we support freedom of speech, baseless attacks must stop, and leaders should work to ensure they do. Such attacks risk undermining Kenya’s Constitution, the rule of law, and peace and security."

Share news tips with us here at Hivisasa