US Warns Kenyan Politicians against Preaching Violence

The US government has expressed concerns over events surrounding Kenya’s October 26th repeat presidential election.

In a statement issued by the State Department Friday, the US said it was “deeply concerned” over the current political situation in the country.

The statement comes even as opposition National Super Alliance supporters continued with their anti-IEBC protests on Friday, which was marred with running battles with police as the protesters clashed with a group affiliated to Jubilee.

The United States said that it is behind the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to conduct the fresh election, but assured that it has no preferred party or candidate.

It added: “Unfortunately, in recent weeks actors on all sides have undermined the electoral commission and stoked tensions.”

The US State department warned politicians against attacking the IEBC, adding that US will not close its eyes on politicians preaching violence.

Earlier this week, US Ambassador to Kenya Robert Godec led a number of envoys in calling for the end of the impasse facing the repeat poll, and threatened to impose travel bans on politicians out to cause chaos and those that want to derail the election.

While the opposition National Super Alliance (NASA) has called for bi-weekly anti-electoral commission protests, the ruling party is pushing for amendments on electoral laws before the new election is conducted.

The opposition has maintained that there will be bo elections, unless the electoral commission gives in to 11 demands dubbed “irreducible minimums” before the fresh poll.