Envoys urge for dialogue after repeat presidential election

Foreign envoys have expressed disappointment at the failure by the Supreme Court to hear a case that sought to delay the repeat presidential poll.

The hearing failed to take off Wednesday after the Supreme Court suffered a quorum hitch.

Only Chief Justice David Maraga and Justice Isaac Lenaola, out of seven judges, were present when the court convened at 11am.

The Heads of Mission in Kenya, in a joint statement, said that they would have preferred that the case be heard before the repeat election as it “raised important questions regarding the election”.

OBSTRUCTING JUSTICE

The envoys condemned any attempts that may be aimed at obstructing the judicial process.

With IEBC having announced it will proceed with the election, the envoys have called on Kenyans to remain calm and reject violence. They have also called on Kenyans to uphold the principles of the Constitution.

At the same time, the envoys have called for immediate, sustained and open dialogue among various stakeholders in order to resolve the deep divisions that have been worsened by the electoral process.

POST-2008 GAINS

They have raised concerns that Kenya risks losing most of the gains attained since 2008 after the post-election violence unless it comes together to preserve its democracy and fundamental freedoms.

The envoys have also condemned the attack on the bodyguard of Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu.

The bodyguard, identified as Police Constable Titus Musyoka, was shot Tuesday evening outside Marsabit Plaza along Ngong Road.

The heads of mission have also expressed disappointment over attempts by political players to interfere with independent institutions.

“We are deeply disappointed by the continuing efforts of both parties to interfere with and undermine the independent operation of the electoral commission, the Judiciary, and other essential institutions,” they said.

Source: Daily Nation