Welcome to Africanews

Please select your experience

Watch Live

News

news

International community calls for dialogue between Kenyan political leaders

Kenya

As Kenyans prepare to hold a re-run of presidential elections, 18 European countries, the European Union and the United States issued a joint statement on Monday (October 23) calling on political leaders to talk to each other and pursue any protests peacefully.

U.S. Ambassador to Kenya, Robert Godec, urged politicians from all sides to respect the country’s constitution, warning them the current situation was ‘dangerous’ and must stop.

Godec said he was still holding out hope for a last minute deal that might persuade opposition leader Raila Odinga to take part in the polls.

Meanwhile Acting Interior and Security Minister, Fred Matiang’i, told a meeting of regional government administrators it was their responsibility to ensure laws are respected ahead of Thursday’s (October 26) vote.

Tension has escalated over an election season that has divided the country and led to the deaths of at least 37 people since the first election was held on Aug. 8, including four in the last two weeks.

Reuters

View more