UN, EU call for speedy probe into Msando murder
EU Ambassador to Kenya Stefano Dejak. He say EU will continue to support IEBC to conduct a free, fair and credible elections. PHOTO | DIANA NGILA | NATION MEDIA GROUP
The United Nations and the European Union have sent their condolences to the family of Chris Msando and called on investigating agencies to urgently resolve his murder.
In a statement, the UN office in Nairobi said it was hopeful the mysterious death of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) ICT manager will not interfere with the planning of elections.
“It is our sincere hope that despite this great loss, the IEBC will continue to do its best to deliver to the people of Kenya a free, credible and peaceful general election,” the global body said.
“As you go through this difficult time, the United Nations would like to reaffirm its commitment and full support to the IEBC’s effort to deliver, free, credible and peaceful 2017 general elections,” the statement read.
SUPPORT
At the same time, the EU said it welcomed the government’s announcement for faster investigations.
EU Ambassador to Kenya Stefano Dejak reassured the IEBC of continued support.
“This murder must be investigated reliably, and we welcome the Kenyan government's commitment on this matter,” he said.
Mr Dejak reassured the commission of the EU's “full support towards its work and commitment to deliver free, fair, credible and peaceful elections.”
Both the EU and the UN (as well as the UK and the US governments) have been critical in the preparation of elections through direct and indirect support to the IEBC. They are the main donors to a project led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for “strengthening electoral processes in Kenya (SEPK).” It is worth $24 million (Sh2.5 billion) coming from the UK, the US and the EU.
Last year, UNDP signed a €5 million (about Sh614 million) agreement with the European Union under the SEPK to support the commission as it prepares for the elections.
The programme involves training and support for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission and other government departments involved in securing elections, as well as supporting women to contest.
