US ambassador Robert Gordec says IEBC has mainly met NASA’s reform demands

US Ambassador to Kenya Robert Godec; he says only IEBC have a say on whether repeat presidential poll will be credible (PHOTO: FILE)

Nairobi, Monday: The US insists that NASA presidential candidate Raila Odinga and his running mate Kalonzo Musyoka should not have withdrawn from the October 26 repeat presidential poll.

Its ambassador to Kenya Robert Godec on Monday said Raila won in a big way when the Supreme Court of Kenya nullified President Uhuru Kenyatta's win in the August 8 election and ought to have allowed his supporters to participate in the repeat poll on Thursday.

"The Supreme Court discovered a number of irregularities and illegalities in delivering the historic verdict. I think IEBC has met a number of demands to allow NASA participate in the repeat polls. But it's their right to participate or not to, however we call for peaceful boycott on Thursday," he said.

Godec said it is only the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) that can decide whether the Thursday poll will be credible and conducted according to the law as specified by Supreme Court.

However, in an earlier address to the nation last week, IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati referred to infighting in the commission and told Kenyans that he could not guarantee credible election come October 26.

He said politicians continued to threaten his staff while commissioners voted against his agenda most of the time interfering with organisation of credible polls on October 26.

"I cannot guarantee credible elections at the moment however, this is possible if there is a dialogue between political parties for an agreement and also if commissioners work in harmony," he said.

Ambassador Godec warned President Uhuru Kenyatta against signing into law the Election amendment Bill which is currently before him. He said signing the bill into law is against the spirit of international best practice and will undermine credible poll.

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Meanwhile Acting interior cabinet secretary Fred Matiang'i wants political parties to conclude their rallies today (Monday) saying no gathering will be tolerated from Tuesday.

Matiang’i reminded politicians that campaigns for the repeat presidential poll end today and conducting similar meetings thereafter is a continuation of a culture where individuals disrespect institutions.

"I am concerned about an emerging trend of attempt to attack our independent institutions. We have not abandoned any of our laws, therefore it will be illegal to have political meetings beyond today," he said while meeting county chiefs in Nairobi.

Matiang’i urged those planning to demonstrate on October 26 to do so within the confines of law and avoid disrupting normal businesses.

On harassment of election officials, Matiang’i said it was an election offense to impede officials from conducting election.

"We are proud of our county commanders and county commissioners for aiding IEBC conduct peaceful election on August 8. We expect to play same role on Thursday," he said also calling on the commissioners to explore dialogue with politicians in anti-voting regions to avert crisis.

The National Super Alliance coalition has said it will not participate in the repeat presidential election and urged its supporters to peacefully demonstrate on Election Day.

"We are changing our clarion call from No Reforms, No Elections! to No Election in October 26! IEBC has been taken hostage by Jubilee. Four Commissioners are taking instructions from State House, we cannot go to an election with such people in office," said Raila, at a political rally at Kamkunji grounds in Nairobi last week.

And although Raila's name will be on the ballot on October 26, at least according to IEBC, the former Premier insisted that the daily demonstrations will resume on Tuesday with a clarion call that for a credible elections to take place, there must a conducive environment.