Israel dares Kenya to showcase democracy

Israel Ambassador Gil Haskel (C) addressing journalists at the Standard Group Centre on Wednesday when he paid a courtesy call on the Group CEO Sam Shollei (R). With them is the SG Executive Editor Bernard Nderitu. (Photo: Andrew Kilonzi/Standard)

By Lonah Kibet

Nairobi, Kenya: The Israeli Government has challenged Kenyans to showcase to the world it is a mature democracy by holding a credible peaceful, free and fair general election.

Israeli ambassador to Kenya Gil Haskel said he has confidence that the process will sail through smoothly and reports similar to the the botched 2007 presidential elections will not come up.

“We are ready to offer our assistance and cooperation during this elections period. The preparedness process is rather impressive and Kenya is proving mainly to itself of being in viable and healthy democracy with competent democratic institutions. Kenyans are smart and able people that we hope leant a lesson from 2007/8 post elections violence,” said Haskel.

His government has however not made any stand involving the two International Criminal Court suspects, Jubilee’s presidential aspirant Uhuru Kenyatta and his running mate William Ruto.

“We cannot preempt what will happen after the elections, our stand will be known after the elections results. All I can say is that Kenya deserves good and competent governance and leaders,” said Haskel.

He called for peace and tranquility urging Kenyans to learn from past experiences.

Haskel was speaking on Wednesday during his visit to the Standard Group’s Chief Executive Officer Sam Shollei at the media house headquarters where he said the backbone of the Israeli-Kenyan relation is the people.

“The Israeli and Kenya people have a mutual admiration that we should not let to be tarnished,” he said.

Kenya's development

He assured that his government will help Kenya in combating the challenges in food insecurity, help provide the know-how, experience and capacity building in technology and also assist in the upgrading of the homeland and border security that the country deserves.

“The two countries have been there for each other for over 50 years and we will continue to be here for this country, we hope as we celebrate the 50 years of jubilee this year our relations will be increased. The well being of Kenya is dear to Israel,” said Haskel.

Haskel said they are leading actors in the world as far as research and development is concerned and that they were at Kenya’s disposal on anything development related that would benefit the country.

He also commended the media for their impressive and competent reporting saying they were crucial and important in the field of reporting.

Shollei said the country was ready to listen to words of wisdom and counsel that encourage a well organized elections period.

“Our government has been assured by Israel that they will stand by us during this period,” said Shollei.