Catholic bishops call for speedy probe into Chris Msando's murder

Catholic bishops of Kenya photo:courtesy

The Catholic bishops have called for expeditious investigations into the murder of IEBC election technology manager Chris Msando, even as they called on Kenyans to avoid irresponsible speculations on the killing. 

Meanwhile, former US Secretary of State John Kerry, who is leading an election observer mission group called for enhanced security for all election officials, saying IEBC officials must be granted room to return a free and fair election.

 The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) – the umbrella body of the church’s bishops – called on Kenyans to be calm as investigations are conducted to establish the motive and those behind the grisly murder.

 However, the clerics urged the security details to ensure thorough and speedy investigations to ensure the culprits are brought to justice.

 “This barbaric action has taken place when we as Catholic bishops and and other religious leaders as well as our faithful have been dedicating this country to prayers to ensure there will be just, free, fair, credible and peaceful elections,” said the bishops through their chairman Bishop Philip Anyolo.

 The Bishops urged Kenyans to cultivate national cohesion and peace even as they exercise their civic duties of electing leaders of their choice.

 “Life is sacred and only God who gives it freely should take it away when He so desires,” Anyolo said as they condemned the murder and condoled the family and the electoral body.

 Separately, Kerry who is expected in the country this week alongside former Senegalese Prime Minister Aminata Touré to co-lead the Carter Center's short-term Election observation delegation said security was paramount if Kenya was to have free and fair polls.

 In their statement Kerry and Touré stressed that Kenyans must be allowed to participate in a credible exercise.

 "Security for the elections and all election administrators throughout the electoral process is paramount for the conduct of credible and democratic elections. We hope that Mr Msando's death will not have a chilling effect on voters and electoral authorities," said Secretary Kerry.

 "We urge Kenyan authorities to provide full protection for the IEBC and their professional staff so that they can continue preparations for the elections without fear for their safety," Touré said.

 The two consoled the family of slain IEBC deputy Director Chris Msando, noting that the Carter technical experts enjoyed a productive relationship with the deceased and are personally saddened by the loss.

 He went on, "We all wish to honor Mr. Msando's dedication to transparent elections."

They said the Carter Center joins with other stakeholders in urging an independent and comprehensive investigation into Mr. Msando's death.

 They implored on politicians to refrain from politicizing the event.

"Attacks on the IEBC and other independent institutions, whether verbal or physical, remain an unacceptable form of public discourse," cautioned Kerry and urged the IEBC to go forward with the nationwide KIEMS test.

 "The success of KIEMS remains an essential step toward increasing stakeholder confidence in the election," Touré said.

 The Carter Center was founded in 1982 by former US President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, in partnership with Emory University, to advance peace and health worldwide.