Kaparo: Solve IEBC row in sober manner to avoid repeat of chaos

National Cohesion and Integration Commission Chairman Francis Ole Kaparo

The cohesion agency has called for a sober approach to the dispute pitting the State against the Opposition over the electoral agency.

National Cohesion and Integration Commission Chairman Francis Ole Kaparo appealed to the political elite and their supporters to reject violence and explore alternative means of resolving the grievances at hand. “We urge the Government and Opposition to act with openness, sobriety and tolerance in addressing the source of the current issue,” said Mr Kaparo during a press briefing yesterday.

BRUTALITY CONDEMNED

This came a day after three people died and several others were wounded during the anti-Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) protests that rocked parts of the country.

Kaparo also condemned the brutality used by police during the demonstrations, calling on them to protect the rights of speech, assembly and political participation as envisaged in the Constitution.

He also called on the demonstrators not to interfere with the rights of other Kenyans and their property and to refrain from using any form of violence against security agencies. “We urge the Government to investigate and hold accountable those responsible for vandalism and looting as well as officers found culpable of causing injuries and taking human life,” said the chairman.
Kaparo warned that the unfolding events were characteristic of the period just before the post-election violence in 2007-08.

“We have had enough of traumatising situations and it makes no sense for political elites to begin another poisonous conflict,” he said.

The chairman noted that despite the merits and demerits of the IEBC, the country must cultivate a culture of non-violence, respect for rule of law and tolerance for divergent opinions.