Nasa tells African Union its pre-election concerns
ODM presidential candidate Raila Odinga (right), his running mate Kalonzo Musyoka (left) and AU Commission chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat (second from right) at Capitol Hill Square in Nairobi on July 19, 2017. PHOTO | JEFF ANGOTE | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- Orange Democratic Movement presidential candidate Raila Odinga told the press that they raised concern over the use of state resources by the Jubilee Party in campaigns contrary to the law “and the state of preparedness by IEBC ahead of elections”.
- Nasa has in the recent past raised concern and written to Director of Public Prosecutions Keriako Tobiko to take action against Cabinet Secretaries for involvement in political activities and openly campaigning for the re-election of President Uhuru Kenyatta contrary to the Elections Act.
The Jubilee Party's use of State resources for campaigns and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission’s preparedness for next month’s General Election were the main agenda discussed by the National Super Alliance and an African Union delegation on Thursday.
The delegation led by AU chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat visited Orange Democratic Movement presidential candidate Raila Odinga at his office at Capitol Hill Square in Nairobi.
Mr Odinga, who was accompanied by his running mate Kalonzo Musyoka, told the press that they raised concern over the Jubilee Party's use of state resources in campaigns contrary to the law “and the state of preparedness by IEBC ahead of elections”.
TAKE ACTION
The opposition has, in the recent past, raised concern and written to Director of Public Prosecutions Keriako Tobiko to take action against Cabinet Secretaries for involvement in political activities and openly campaigning for the re-election of President Uhuru Kenyatta contrary to the Elections Act.
Maintaining peace during the campaign period, during elections and after the polls also featured prominently in the meeting, with Mr Odinga promising the delegation that the opposition is committed to ensuring that peace prevails in the country.
“Some areas have been listed as hotspot and we have urged our supporters in such places and countrywide to maintain peace,” Mr Odinga said.
NINETEEN COUNTIES
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission has listed 19 counties where violence could occur during the election.
From the AU side, Mr Mahamat said the main agenda is to see that Kenya conducts peaceful, free and fair elections. “We attach great importance on the forthcoming elections because Kenya is an important country in the African continent,” said Mr Mahamat.
The delegation will meet President Kenyatta on Thursday and later the IEBC.
