Council of NGOs in Kenya called for sustained dialogue between Jubilee and Opposition

Opposition leader Raila Odinga when he met Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) officials Isaac Hassan (chairman), Ezra Chiloba (CEO) and deputy chair Mahiri Zaja in the past.

NAIROBI: The National Council of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) has called for sustained dialogue between the government and the opposition on matters of national importance to avoid threatening peaceful coexistence among the citizens.

The Council of NGOs lauded President Uhuru Kenyatta and Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (Cord) leader Raila Odinga for agreeing to dialogue on the issues surrounding the dissolution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

"The stand by the opposition leader to the protests against the continued stay of IEBC commissioners whom they term as unfit to conduct a fair election is a boost to efforts to sustain peace by the clergy and civil society organizations," said Stephen Cheboi the Council's chairperson.

According to Cheboi, dialoguing is the best way to arrive at long lasting solutions as opposed to protest that have led to unnecessary loss of lives during clashes between the citizens and police officers.

"Preaching peace and unity is a key mandate of any government because we cannot attain our development goals when there is no peace among the people. The President should come out in the limelight during such issues as he is the symbol of national unity," added Cheboi.

The chairperson also challenged the IEBC commissioners to be calm and desist from making utterances that may ignite unrest among the electorate.

"The judiciary, religious bodies, and several legislators have raised questions about the capability of IEBC to conduct the next general elections and the commissioners should be wise await outcomes of due processes," Cheboi explained.

The Council which will convene a National Cultural Peace forum aimed at emphasizing on embracing positive diversity across the ethnic divide next month that will be graced by US Ambassador to Kenya Robert Godec urged for more partnerships between government, NGOs and foreign associates to sustain peace building process ahead of the 2017 polls.