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Uhuru, Raila urged to accept dialogue

uhuraila

President Uhuru Kenyatta (right) and Nasa leader Raila Odinga. FILE PHOTO | NMG

Pressure on Thursday mounted on leaders of Kenya’s two main political factions, President Uhuru Kenyatta and Nasa’s Raila Odinga, to accept dialogue and save the country from a looming crisis that is already taking toll on the economy.

Religious leaders and the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) joined calls for dialogue even as Mr Odinga met electoral commission chairman Wafula Chebukati.

The political tension and uncertainty surrounding the repeat presidential poll set for October 26 yesterday saw the shilling cede some ground to the dollar – continuing a streak that began Tuesday.

Commercial banks quoted the shilling at 103.50/60 to the dollar down from Wednesday’s close of 103.45/55 to the greenback.

NCIC chairman Francis ole Kaparo said the country has had enough political strife and urged the political leaders and their supporters to explore alternative means of resolving their differences.

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Mr Odinga Thursday held a 40-minute closed-door meeting with Mr Chebukati, a day after Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) commissioner Roselyn Akombe resigned and fled the country.

“We have said that if proper consultations are made, proper reforms carried out and the fears that made us pull out of this race are addressed, then we will consider,” Mr Odinga told journalists after he left the meeting that he described as “good”. He said revelations made by Dr Akombe and Mr Chebukati’s statement on Wednesday had reaffirmed the opposition coalition’s reasons for pulling out of the race.

In her statement, Dr Akombe said the IEBC was under political “siege”, unable to reach consensus or take any decisions.

While welcoming her resignation, Mr Chebukati said that with a divided commission and prevailing political environment, he could not guarantee the credibility of the repeat presidential election.

“Mr Chebukati said he would also consult with the other side. He is going to talk to the Jubilee candidate Uhuru Kenyatta and then make a decision,” Mr Odinga said.

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Religious leaders led by Rev Willis Ngugi asked Kenyans and leaders to respect independent institutions and allow them to deliver on their mandate.

The Supreme Court annulled results of the August 8 presidential poll, citing irregularities and called for fresh elections within 60 days, which are set to lapse on October 31.

Since the September 1 ruling, the opposition has organised street demos to press for reforms at the IEBC, even as their Jubilee rivals campaigned in readiness for the repeat poll.

Mr Kaparo asked demonstrators to refrain from any form of violence even as they enjoy their constitutional right of picketing.

But in a quick rejoinder, a section of Nasa MPs accused Mr Kaparo of bias, saying he should resign as his tenure had not been legally extended

“Mr Kaparo should first condemn police brutality. In his entire speech you would think he was speaking for Jubilee government. He should speak like someone heading a national commission,” said John Mbadi, MP for Suba and chairman of opposition ODM party.

Mr Kenyatta has urged Kenyans to pray for the country as it prepares to hold the fresh presidential election.