Tuesday, the 22nd of January 2012 - A team of observers from the African Union (AU) and elders of Common Market for Eastern and Southern African (Comesa) has today given Kenya a clean bill of health as the country prepares for the March 4th elections.
The team made the assessment after a week-long tour of the country meant to measure Kenya’s pre-election temperature. Dr Brigalia Bam of the AU, who spoke on behalf of the delegation, said that they were encouraged by the reforms in Kenya’s judiciary and security forces;
“The delegation noted the positive impact of the new Constitution and the growing confidence in key institutions that have undergone reforms, notably the Judiciary and the security sectors and urge for urgent and comprehensive reforms,” she said.
Dr Bam said that the delegation had sit-downs with Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairman Issack Hassan, Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo and with some members of the media and civil society;
“After exchanging view with these diverse groups of stakeholders, and witnessing political party nominations, the delegation hails the people of Kenya for the huge strides made within the last five years to address some structural causes of the post-election violence,” she said.
“The delegation reiterates the need for closer attention around issues of security, the media’s role and responsibilities, civic and voter education, and the management of the post-election phase including transparency in tallying, professionalism in reporting and management of electoral victory and failure.”
Dr Simbi Mubako of Comesa for his part said that the delegation had no concerns about Kenya’s capacity to have free and fair elections;
“Following our assessment, we get the impression that Kenyan people are ready to conduct these elections in a peaceful and free manner that is dignified.”
“We need not emphasise on the strategic position of the country in determining the prosperity of the rest of the region,” he added.