Foreign Envoys Urge Raila to Re-Enter October 26th Repeat Presidential Race
Foreign diplomats have asked National Super Alliance (NASA) leader Raila Odinga and his running mate Kalonzo Musyoka to consider re-entering repeat presidential election set for October 26th.
In a statement, the envoys led by United States ambassador to Kenya, Robert Godec, they said that although they “respect Odinga’s decision not to participate in the fresh poll, they regret the move and hope NASA will change their mind.”
The foreign mission further called on President Uhuru not to assent to the Election Amendment Bill because doing so “will only deteriorate the current political stalemate in the country.”
“Politicians should be careful not to destroy what the country has built for many years; it’s easier to destroy than to build a nation. The solutions to current political problems must be found within the confines of the constitution,” said Godec.
The envoys also condemned the recent attacks on electoral commission officials in parts of the country and urged politicians to stop attacking institutions.
“Parties are allowed to seek an extension to the repeat election but this decision belongs to the courts. Kenyans have an opportunity to go to courts and seek an extension… if they do so and the extension is granted we are okay with that,” said Godec.
"Attacks on IEBC staff must cease now. No one is obliged to stand for office, or to vote if they do not wish to," said Godec. "But no one should use violence or intimidation to disrupt the right of others to vote or to participate. Doing so is profoundly undemocratic, and leaders must tell their supporters to refrain from such actions."
The statement was backed by among others envoys from Australia, Austria, Belgium, Britain, the Czech Republic, Denmark, the European Union, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the US.
Comments
Fake Joshua has not left the…
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Fake Joshua has not left the race. He did not sign the required form (24A). This is social engineering. He want Jubilee supporters not to show up in large numbers because they will think Raila is out and it is an easy win for Uhuru. On the other hand NASA supporters will show up in large numbers enabling fake Joshua will win.
My fellow diplomats:…
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My fellow diplomats:
Kenya attained her independence through bloodshed. Please be careful when you make statements that can lead to more bloodshed especially now when emotions ran high. Kenya is made up of 42 distinct micro nations. Unfortunately two of them have dominated the rest for over a half a century.
Imara, how much blood did…
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In reply to My fellow diplomats:… by Imara (not verified)
Imara, how much blood did you shed? If only 2 of the 42 have dominated for half a century, why can the 40 reorganize to create a political force that will overwhelm the 2 communities? We do not need violence in Kenya. Raila needs to re-enter the race.
Imara and his usual…
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In reply to My fellow diplomats:… by Imara (not verified)
Imara and his usual nonesense of micro nations. Just thinking loud.
The rot in Kenyan politics…
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The rot in Kenyan politics Must be CLEANED out completely if Kenya is to see herself through this mess as in one country.
Mwose, any suggestion on how…
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In reply to The rot in Kenyan politics… by D Mwose (not verified)
Mwose, any suggestion on how to CLEAN the rot?Short of removing the current leaders which wananchi should if they think that would bring the desired results. Anyway,
I think these diplomats wish Kenya well. Those who are saying that they should stay away from Kenya politics should remember that if the country descended to chaotic,and murderous state where numerous kenyans loose their lives,some will start calling for the international community to step in.So they are helping to avoid that state.As you have noted some have already petitioned some names to ICC .Besides that, what they are saying is nothing new to peace loving Kenyans.
Yes, Raila needs to re-enter…
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Yes, Raila needs to re-enter and fight his way in the ballot. Everyone one is taking note of Raila's evil scheme. Well, if he fails to participate, then there is no justification for mobilizing goons to cause riots and destroy peoples lives and property. ICC, where are you?
The evil scheme is not in…
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The evil scheme is not in Raila Odinga! Infact the evil scheme is in the state machinary that has STOLEN elections time and again with impunity each time. The cliff is in your face go ahead and take your leap.
@Sokora,…
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@Sokora,
Nakuomba ndugu tuheshimiane. Mimi binafsi sikumwaga damu yangu! Lakini mamangu mzazi alimwaga damu yake kwenye harakati na mchakato wa kupigania uhuru wa Kenya. Nakuomba tena ndugu, tuheshimiane!
Guest1 is actually the best…
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Guest1 is actually the best campaigner for uhuru - when u see all his hate and propaganda, you gotta get up at 3am to go vote. I think he must be on Jubilee payroll .. keep it up Guest1 .. your hatred is turning out to be a great "get out and vote" campaign tool .. you and your collegues .. keep it up
Kwa nini anabembelezwa? This…
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Kwa nini anabembelezwa? This is just massaging an already inflated ego. I agree he and his supporters can opt in or out. That is their democratic right. What I oppose is the notion that their rights override the rights of those who want to exercise their right to vote. That is what he should be held accountable for. Why is everyone trying to turn a blind eye to what Odinga is yelling from the roof tops, i.e - IT'S HIM OR THE HIGHWAY, NO MATTER WHAT!
This is a sick man, with an even sicker fan base, the likes of Guest1.
This wazungus should take…
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This wazungus should take their busybodies to hell.Kenya is a sovereign state n parliament is a institution mandated to make laws just like USA parliament so please stop interfering with our sovereignty.Uhuru please sign the bill on 25th 11:59pm otherwise u will regret why u didn’t sign it when wakora 4 nullifys again yr victory.I had said this u could have shut us embassy n deport this ambassador who keeps yapping about our democracy then opened it when our elections r finished.Uhuru rem USA wanted u jailed in 07/08 n u spent millions defending yrself n they never pushed their raila who work for them to b taken to icc so me president sign the bill otherwise u don’t have my vote.
It is always darkest just…
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It is always darkest just before dawn-Fuller.
Raila is a person who lives…
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Raila is a person who lives in dreams. For him to think that we can do anything that can, in any way, help distergrate Kenya he must be dreaming. He should know he is not above the interest we in the West hold Kenya. I am of course talking as Westerner. Kenya is indispensable partner of the west in the war against terrorism. Kenya is also considered an anchor state just like Nigeria to the west, South Africa to the south and Egypt to the north. It hosts UN-Habitat, Unep and other UN agencies. International analysts agrees that Kenya stands at the top of the list in the East African region and the Horn of Africa as a favourite tourist destination, a hub for trade and a peacemaking and humanitarian epicentre, serving flashpoints like war-torn Somalia and struggling Southern Sudan. With all this at stake does Raila and Akombe in their right mind think we can ambdon Kenya to support their ego? The interest of the West and United Nations in maintaining stability in Kenya comes before that of Raila, Akombe, Maraga or any of this other crones that are planning to cause chaos and instability in Kenya.
You have forgotten UK has a…
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In reply to Raila is a person who lives… by DR. Koni Hanene (not verified)
You have forgotten UK has a military training Unit in Nanyuki. They will not allow Fake Joshua and Wanjigi to close that base as they are planning to do.
Dr hanene n Kenya u have…
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Dr hanene n Kenya u have spoken like 10 nairobi bizness community n 10 maumau fighters who r ready to flash out the odm thugs if they cause any troubles.
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