IEBC should hold credible polls to ensure peace in Kenya: Francis Kaparo
National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) Chairman Francis ole Kaparo briefs media on October 10, 2017. He has asked the IEBC to deliver a credible election to ensure peace and stability. PHOTO | FRANCIS NDERITU | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Mr Francis Kaparo says a free and fair election will result in peace and stability in Kenya.
- He asked protesters to respect other people's rights while picketing.
- Mr Kaparo said tension is rife in the country due to threats and use of inflammatory statements.
The electoral commission should get its house in order and conduct a free and fair repeat presidential election to promote peace and instability, the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has said.
NCIC chairman Francis Ole Kaparo told the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) that there is a direct correlation between its ability to conduct free, fair and credible elections and peace and stability in the country.
DELIVER
“Today, as never before, the peace fabric of this nation is intricately interwoven with the conduct of credible polls. Hence the decisions taken by IEBC have a direct impact on shaping the future of this country,” Mr Kaparo said.
“IEBC must get its house in order and deliver on the mandate as per the Constitution and expectations of the people of Kenya.”
Mr Kaparo at the same time expressed concern over the escalating political tension in the country ahead of the repeat polls.
Addressing a press conference in Nairobi yesterday, he said the current climate resembles the one witnessed in the country before the 2007/2008 post-election violence.
DIALOGUE
“The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) notes with great concern the consequences of the ongoing political contestations on the repeat Presidential polls. The Commission condemns increasing level of ethnic and political polarisation, loss of human lives, intolerance, hooliganism and wanton destruction of property during the anti-IEBC demonstrations. We are strongly saddened by the loss of lives in the various protests,” Mr Kaparo said.
“We are appealing to the political leaders, supporters to explore alternative means of resolving their issues. It is important to have political dialogue at this time to end this political impasse,” he added.
Mr Kaparo noted there has been an increasing use of foul and obscene language, threats and inflammatory statements characterised by inter-ethnic profiling by a section of the political class.
RESPECT
“Tension is rife in some parts of the country, setting Kenyans into a constant mode of fear. Thus, crippling the economy of Kenya,” he said.
On the ongoing anti-IEBC demonstrations, Mr Kaparo said the demonstrators must respect other people’s rights while protesting.
“Demonstrators must respect their obligation under the Constitution to picket. They should refrain from any form of violence,” he said.
