US envoy urges Kenya to conduct peaceful election

• Acting US ambassador to Kenya, Robert Godec said a peaceful election would ensure the fulfilment of the implementation of new Constitution and move the country forward.

The United States government has challenged the Kenyan administration to ensure that the March 4, 2013 General Election is peaceful, free and fair.

Acting US ambassador to Kenya, Robert Godec said a peaceful election would ensure the fulfilment of the implementation of new Constitution and move the country forward.

“We have talked about a wide range of issues among them security and political which are critical to a free, fair and peaceful election,” said the envoy when he met Speaker Kenneth Marende at Parliament buildings Friday.

He said although the country had made tremendous steps in implementing the Constitution, which necessitated tremendous reforms in the Judiciary, police reforms were still pending.

“Police reforms are key for the country to prosper,” Mr Godec said, adding that the issue of integrity in the Constitution with regards to politicians vying for positions should be left to the courts to determine.

He pledged that the US will continue to support Kenya in implementing reforms. Parliament, he added, will also benefit from part of the aid through the parliamentary strengthening programme implemented by USAid.

Mr Marende also met British High Commissioner Christian Turner.

emutai@ke.nationmedia.com