CORD led protests for the disbandment of electoral commission, IEBC has attracted criticism from twelve foreign envoys to Kenya, who have decried the recent violence witnessed during demonstrations.
The protests have affected business in some parts of Nairobi’s CBD as some business men closed down for security purposes while some reported looting of their products during the protests. Three people were killed and several others injured on Monday as the anti-IEBC protests turned bloody.
The diplomats, including UK High Commissioner Nic Hailey, United States Ambassador Robert Godec and European Union Ambassador Stefano-Antonio Dejak, said in a joint statement on Tuesday that violence will not resolve issues regarding the future of the IEBC or ensure the 2017 elections are free and credible.
“We are deeply concerned by the escalation of violence during the demonstrations in Kenyan cities on 23 May around the future of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission,” they said in the joint statement.
They also called on all demonstrators to act peacefully even as they emphasised calls for inclusive dialogue.
“Kenyans should talk, and any compromise must be implemented in accord with Kenya’s Constitution and the rule of law. As partners, we stand ready to support such a dialogue in any way that is useful,” they said.
Others who signed the joint statement include Australian High Commissioner John Feakes, Belgian Ambassador Roxane de Bilderling, Canadian High Commissioner David Angell and Danish Ambassador Mette Knudsen.
French Ambassador Remi Marechaux, German Ambassador Jutta Frasch, Norwegian Ambassador Victor Rønneberg, Dutch Ambassador Frans Makken and Swedish Ambassador Johan Borgstam also signed the statement.
The demonstrations were witnessed in various towns in the country including Nairobi, Mombasa, Siaya and Kakamega.
