[European Union 2017 elections Chief Observer Marietje Schaake during a past press conference at a Nairobi Hotel on July. [Photo: The Star]The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU-EOM) has reduced the number of observers it will deploy for Thursday's repeat presidential election citing security concerns.The body said the decision was reached on the basis of political, methodological, and security concerns, the Star reports.The EU EOM which has been comprehensively observing Kenya'selectoral process since June, also cited growing criticism of observer missions by a section of the political class."We have assessed the safety of our observers considering the extreme tension, disruptions of polling preparations, and strong criticism that has been made of the international community. Based on this, we have had to reconsider the extent to which we can observe across the country," read a statement released by EU-EOM on Tuesday as quoted by the Star.In the changes, the observer mission said it will focus its observation on systemic issues.The observer mission said it will not avail its members for the assessment of election day and tallying.The fresh election pits incumbent President Uhuru Kenyatta against seven other candidates as per IEBC gazette notice on the poll.However, NASA leader Raila Odinga has said he will not take part in the repeat vote until IEBC meets their 12-point irreducible minimums. Raila's name will, however, be on the ballot after he refused to withdraw as per IEBC regulations.

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