Nyeri Archbishop calls for dialogue over IEBC standoff

Nyeri Catholic Archbishop Peter Kairu has called for dialogue between the opposition and the government to resolve the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) stalemate.

Kairu said it was imperative to have a national dialogue between all political players in the country in a bid reach an agreement with the view of delivering a credible election next year.

Kairu, who spoke during the first anniversary of the beatification of Blessed Stefani ‘Nyaatha’  at the Dedan Kimathi University of Technology in Nyeri, said speedy resolution was needed to prevent a repeat of what transpired after the 2007 elections.

“Nothing is possible without peace. Peace is very important in a country. We don’t want trouble or a repeat of the 2007/08 Post Election Violence,” said Archbishop Kairu.

Former Secretary to the Cabinet Francis Kimemia, who also graced the event, said if the situation is not arrested early enough, the country might plunge into war.

“You cannot say you are civilised if you do not have good institutions. Let people follow the rule of law. Every time we draw near to the elections, people start calling for disbandment of certain institutions. Let there be peace and unity in the country,” said Kimemia.

This comes as the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) on Monday announced plans to hold a major protest against the IEBC during the Madaraka Day.

Meanwhile, The National Alliance (TNA) party has urged CORD consider dialogue in resolving the stalemate between it and the IEBC. However, a section of Jubilee politicians sued CORD principals Raila Odinga, Kalonzo Musyoka and Moses Wetangula for leading demonstrations they claim have led to destruction of property.