US, UK, ten other envoys criticize violence in anti-IEBC protests

The US Ambassador to Kenya Robert Godec has criticized the violence that has rocked the weekly demonstrations by opposition CORD to demand disbandment of poll body IEBC.

Godec is calling for dialogue to resolve the stalemate between the government and the opposition over the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and the electoral process, even as he expressed America’s deep concern over the chaos.

The US envoy called on the police to show restraint while dealing with protesters, even as he called on those involved in the Monday protests to maintain peace amid an outcry over police brutality.

This comes as 12 Heads of Mission to Kenya released a statement to the media expressing concern over the ‘escalation of violence during the demonstrations in Kenyan cities on May 23rd around the future of the IEBC.’

“The deaths and injuries of Kenyan citizens were tragic and unnecessary.  We urge the Government of Kenya to investigate the actions of the security services and to hold accountable anyone responsible for the use of excessive force.  We call on all demonstrators to act peacefully,” read the statement in part.

According to the envoys, violence will not resolve the issues regarding the future of the IEBC or ensure the 2017 elections are free and credible.

“We strongly urge all Kenyans to come together to de-escalate the situation and to resolve their differences, taking every opportunity for inclusive dialogue.  Kenyans should talk, and any compromise must be implemented in accord with Kenya’s Constitution and the rule of law.  As partners, we stand ready to support such a dialogue in any way that is useful,” further read the statement.

The statement was signed by the United Kingdom High Commissioner Nic Hailey, Australia High Commissioner John Feakes, Belgium Ambassador Roxane de Bilderling, Canada High Commissioner David Angell, Denmark Ambassador Mette Knudsen, European Union Ambassador Stefano-Antonio Dejak, France Ambassador Remi Marechaux, Germany Ambassador Jutta Frasch, Norway Ambassador Victor Rønneberg, Netherlands Ambassador Frans Makken, Sweden Ambassador Johan Borgstam and United States Ambassador Robert F. Godec.

Police lobbed teargas and used water cannons to disperse Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) protesters in Nairobi with similar actions being witnessed in Mombasa, Kisumu, Migori and other towns where the protests were held.