Seek redress in court, women groups urge aggrieved politicians

Women Leadership Network (AWLN) Kenya Chair Dr Jennifer Riria. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Women groups have called for peace in the wake of the just-concluded General Election. The groups, led by African Women Leaders Network and Women Mediation Network-Kenya, appealed to the four presidential candidates to follow through with the peace pact they signed on July 11.

"We are aware that they had signed a pledge to maintain peace before, during and after elections. We plead with them to be faithful to this commitment as well as any decision made by the institutions mandated by the Constitution," said Dr Jennifer Riria.

She was speaking during a press conference by the two organisations at a Nairobi hotel on Tuesday. The pledge, known as the Political Decency and Peace Charter, is an initiative by Kenya Private Sector Alliance and National Cohesion and Integration Commission. The charter bound the candidates, political parties and supporters to a peaceful election and accountable leadership.

The agreements were signed during the Political Decency and Accountability Forum 2022 held at KICC in Nairobi.

The pact includes commitments to adhere to the Constitution, leadership and integrity, and national values and principles of governance.

Riria also rallied dissenting candidates to seek litigation and avoid chaos.

"We urge candidates who may be aggrieved by the results to seek redress through legal means," said Riria. "We have institutions with the capacity to address disputes. We plead with parties that took part in the election to revert to them," she added.