Western embassies call for urgent solution to Kenya protests

The Western diplomatic mission in Nairobi is calling for an immediate solution to stem the damage from protests by opposition groups, even as they suggest, subtly, that the currently disputed election results in Kenya have already been legalised. has been formally addressed.

In a subtle endorsement of the government, the US Embassy, ​​Australia, Canada, the British High Commission and several EU member states called on the leaders to find “quick solutions for the common good of Kenya”.

But he subtly rejected the opposition group’s demands for free elections and a re-examination of servers at the Boundary Commission over claims of rigging.

“We agree with the Chair of the African Union Commission in recalling the successful conduct of general elections in 2022 and the unanimous confirmation of their results by the Supreme Court,” the missions said in a statement.

Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden also supported the call.

AU Commission chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat, who has called for dialogue in Kenya following violence during the protests, phoned opposition leader Raila Odinga. Photo | Issouf Sanogo | AFP

the cost of living

Over the past week, supporters of the Azimiyo La Umoza One Kenya coalition, led by Mr Raila Odinga, have been demonstrating in Nairobi, Kisumu and parts of the Western Region, accusing the government of failing to address the cost of living, And how it handled elections last year in which President William Ruto defeated Mr Odinga to hide IEBC information.

The Supreme Court confirmed Dr Ruto’s victory in September after Odinga’s evidence was described as hot air. But Odinga has argued that new evidence proves they were rigged and demanded action by the commission to open their servers.

African Union Commission chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat has called for calm and restraint in Kenya after deadly protests by opposition groups, but also asked them to move on from electoral bickering.

“The chairman urges all stakeholders to maintain calm and engage in dialogue to resolve any differences that may exist in the supreme interest of national integration and reconciliation,” Faki said.

“In this regard, the Speaker wishes to recall the successful conduct of general elections in Kenya in August 2022 and the unanimous confirmation of the election result by the Supreme Court.”

The missions said they were “deeply concerned” by the violence seen on Monday, including attacks on properties owned by Mr Odinga and former President Uhuru Kenyatta, but added that they recognized the right to peaceful protest under Kenyan law. He called on all actors to “adhere to the principle of democracy, freedom and the rule of law”.