Economy

Foreign envoys denounce violence at anti-IEBC demos

envoys

From left, UK High Commissioner Nic Hailey, European Union Ambassador Stefano-Antonio Dejak and Belgian Ambassador Roxane de Bilderling are among envoys who have condemned recent violence witnessed during anti-IEBC demos. PHOTOS | FILE |

Twelve foreign envoys to Kenya have decried recent violence witnessed during demonstrations against the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

The diplomats, including UK High Commissioner Nic Hailey, United States Ambassador Robert Godec and European Union Ambassador Stefano-Antonio Dejak, said in a joint statement Tuesday that violence will not resolve issues regarding the future of the IEBC or ensure the 2017 elections are free and credible.

“We are deeply concerned by the escalation of violence during the demonstrations in Kenyan cities on 23 May around the future of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission,” they said in the joint statement.

The envoys said the deaths and injuries of citizens were tragic and unnecessary, urging the government to investigate the actions of the security organs involved and to hold accountable anyone responsible for use of excessive force.

They also called on all demonstrators to act peacefully even as they emphasised calls for inclusive dialogue.

“Kenyans should talk, and any compromise must be implemented in accord with Kenya’s Constitution and the rule of law. As partners, we stand ready to support such a dialogue in any way that is useful,” they said.

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Others who signed the joint statement include Australian High Commissioner John Feakes, Belgian Ambassador Roxane de Bilderling, Canadian High Commissioner David Angell and Danish Ambassador Mette Knudsen.

French Ambassador Remi Marechaux, German Ambassador Jutta Frasch, Norwegian Ambassador Victor Rønneberg, Dutch Ambassador Frans Makken and Swedish Ambassador Johan Borgstam also signed the statement.

Three people were killed and several others injured on Monday as the anti-IEBC protests turned bloody.

The demonstrations were witnessed in various towns in the country including Nairobi, Mombasa, Siaya and Kakamega.