AU, UN call for cooperation with Kenya's electoral body ahead of poll rerun

The African Union and United Nations have jointly called on Kenyan political parties to cooperate with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to ensure a smooth election rerun.

The two international bodies expressed their concern amid heightened tension as opposition leader Raila Odinga maintains he will not participate in the October 26 election.

There must be reforms at the IEBC to enable this nation to move forward. There shall be no election on Thursday. pic.twitter.com/yJzdvZzT2m

— Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) October 23, 2017

“The Secretary-General and the Chairperson of the Commission urge all political actors, parties and their supporters to create conditions for peaceful election and refrain from any act of violence,” they said in a joint statement.

They also called on the security services to exercise restraint and use minimal force in respect of the freedom and political liberties of Kenyans.

The police have dispersed series of opposition protests calling for reforms at the IEBC.

The National Super Alliance (NASA) party leader Raila Odinga has called for a protest on the election day and the police have stated clearly that they will not allow any picketing.

Odinga is calling for reforms at the IEBC including the sack of CEO Ezra Chiloba and other commissioners.

Chiloba proceeded on leave last week amid the heated political environment yet Odinga insists he will not take part in the elections.

He called on his supporters to come out and protest on Tuesday and Wednesday – a regular action which has been repressed by the police leaving many injured amid the violence.

We resume our picketing at IEBC offices countrywide on Tuesday and Wednesday. We maintain that there will be no election on Thursday. pic.twitter.com/ebiwOOcP9K

— Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) October 22, 2017

Seven candidates will be on the ballot including Odinga and his rival Uhuru Kenyatta. Both candidates called for peace on Heroes Day.