AU calls Kenyan presidential candidates to order ahead of August 8 polls

The African Union Commission led by Chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat has called on Kenya’s presidential candidates to ensure peace before and after the general elections on August 8.

Mahamat met with main opposition candidate Raila Odinga on Thursday ahead of the meeting with incumbent President Uhuru Kenyatta stressing on the need for a free and fair election.

Frank discussions with RailaOdinga on need for free,fair, peaceful elections in #Kenya. I look forward to meeting Pres UKenyatta today. pic.twitter.com/1O3isMWAd8

— Moussa Faki Mahamat (@MoussaFaki_M) July 20, 2017

“The upcoming polls are a key step towards a stronger democracy and resilient institutions in Kenya and of vital importance for Africa. I trust Kenya’s leaders will demonstrate wisdom, sense of responsibility that the current circumstances so compellingly call for,” he said after the meeting.

I trust Kenya’s leaders will demonstrate wisdom, sense of responsibility that the current circumstances so compellingly call for #Kenya2017

— Moussa Faki Mahamat (@MoussaFaki_M) July 20, 2017

“Kenyans deserve free, fair, credible elections. Failure is not an option. Let justice remain your shield and defender,” he advised.

The AUC Chairman, together with AU election observers led by the former South African President Thabo Mbeki, had earlier called on Kenya’s electoral commission to ensure that there is clarity in the electoral process to remove any suspicion of rigging.

Election observers from African Union led by Chairman Mousa Faki called on us, say clarity on process will remove suspicion #ElectionsKE2017 pic.twitter.com/mCeDae763f

— IEBC (@IEBCKenya) July 19, 2017

Former SA President Thabo Mbeki, who leads a mission of 14 Observers from African Union to Kenyan elections, calls on IEBC #ElectionsKE2017 pic.twitter.com/U0rCC4aW65

— IEBC (@IEBCKenya) July 20, 2017

Kenyans go to the polls on August 8 to vote for a new president. Eight candidates are contesting in the highly tensed election that has two favourites – President Uhuru Kenyatta of the Jubilee Party and Raila Odinga of the National Super Alliance (NASA).