Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Raila hails Obama's message on Kenyan polls


By Nation Reporter  ( email the author)

Posted  Wednesday, February 6  2013 at  14:23
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Prime Minister Raila Odinga has welcomed President Barrack Obama's message to Kenyan voters that urged for a peaceful election.
"It is a pleasure to know that the President is taking such keen personal interest in the unfolding Kenyan election, and is also so fully aware of the key issues at play.
"All Kenyans want an end to violence and intimidation during this campaign period. We want the coming elections to be free, fair and peaceful so that those who win are seen to reflect the true will of the people," a statement from Mr Odinga said.
Mr Odinga said his Cord coalition is committed to a peaceful, "free and fair" vote, as well as the arbitration of all electoral disputes by the judiciary.
"We in Cord are committed to respecting the will of Kenyans as expressed in a free and fair election. We are also confident that any deviation from this goal will be fully arbitrated by our new Judiciary. We ask our political opponents to commit to the same," the statement said.
The Prime Minister raised concern at "worrying steps' that he says may deny Kenyans a free and fair election.
This include a recent directive issued by the Inspector General of Police David Kimayio and the National Cohesion and Integration Commission chairman Mzalendo Kibunjia that sought to limit debate on land issues by politicians in the campaign trail.
The other concern raised by Mr Odinga is the shut down of radio transmitters belonging to Royal Media Services, Kenya's biggest broadcaster, by the Communication Commission of Kenya.
"The electoral process can only be free and fair if all institutions with related responsibilities work to ensure this outcome. We have seen recently that a number of radio transmitters of Royal Media were closed down arbitrarily. Officials of other powerful institutions are also trying to limit discussion and debate about crucial issues that lie at the root of widespread discontent among Kenyans in all regions," Mr Odinga said.

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