Annan, Mkapa visit to support voter education

By Roselyne Obala

NAIROBI; KENYA: Former United Nations Secretary General, Kofi Annan arrived in the country on Sunday to support electoral preparedness by encouraging nationwide voter registration and education.

Dr Annan together and former Tanzanian president, Benjamin Mkapa, both members of Eminent African personalities will also make a follow up on issues raised in their last visit. The two will be in the country for four days amidst heightened political activities.

However, Annan’s last visit in October sparked off an outcry from a section of leaders allied to presidential aspirants, Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta and Eldoret North MP William whom he cautioned Kenyans against electing.

Annan’s message noted that electing people facing charges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) would have implications on Kenya’s foreign relations.

Annan returns to Kenya just weeks after his last visit, when he failed to meet President Kibaki.

Annan’s statement did not seem to go down well with the leaders.

According to a Media statement, the two were expected to arrive yesterday and leave on Tuesday.

The objective of their visit is to follow up on issues raised during their October visit, particularly on voter education and registration.

The two are scheduled to meet with Government, independent and constitutional commissions and other stakeholder groups, including the business leaders, civil society, religious leaders, and the media.