BY FELIX OLICK
The UK is impartial and does not have a preferred presidential candidate in the General Election, British High Commissioner Christian Turner has said.
But the new envoy said his Government was keen to ensure that polls are credible, peaceful and acceptable to Kenyans.
“Our job is not to back any candidate over the other. We want the elections to be credible, to be safe, to be fair to be peaceful and we will do all we can to support that outcome. But in terms of the individual, its for Kenyans to decide,” maintained Dr Turner.
The High Commissioner, however, said his Government supports the International Criminal Court (ICC) process to ensure that victims of the 2007/2008 post-poll mayhem get justice.
“We support an end to impunity. It’s important that Kenya’s co-operation with the ICC continues. Polls consistently show that majority of citizens support it and that justice is central to the new Kenya,” he said.
Turner reiterated the British Government supports key institutions like the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission and Commission of Implementation of the Constitution to realise their mandates.
He urged MPs to maintain the letter and spirit of the new law when passing legislation citing the Leadership and Integrity Bill.
The diplomat was speaking when he paid a call on the Standard Group Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive Paul Melly at the Standard Group Centre, Thursday.
Mr Melly promised that the Standard Group will always remain accurate and balanced in its news coverage even as the country heads to elections.
He promised that the company will continue to allocate equal time and space for those competing for political office and reiterated commitment to editorial independence.
“We have an independent editorial policy that has been signed by myself and the chairman that delegates the authority of managing content to editors. Nothing that comes in the course of churning out content comes from the management,” assured Melly.
The outgoing Deputy Chairman said that the Group will play its role of informing the public with reliable information that is key in public agenda.
“As we come closer to the election year, as a media house we will play our role so that the public can depend on us for information to interrogate and reshape agenda that will help Kenya in determining the next breed of what I would characterise as transformative leaders in the current political transition,” said Melly.
The envoy said that the transparency and credibility of the electoral body is key and should be protected and maintained.
He said that having Biometric Voter Registration system alone does not guarantee a perfect election and reminded the IEBC on the importance of voter education.
