The representatives of the United Kingdom and the European Union in Kenya have expressed confidence that the general election taking place next month will be fair, credible and peaceful.
The primary objective of the UK government, according to envoy Jane Marriot, is for Kenya to become more rich and stable.
“The world’s attention is on Kenya, and friends of Kenya remain available to support citizens and the Kenyan Government in its preparation for August elections. I am confident that through this conference, there will be a renewed commitment by all stakeholders to commit to free, fair, credible, and peaceful elections,” Marriot said in her speech during the launch of the National Elections Conference (NEC) at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre on Monday.
She stated that people are particularly paying great attention to the conduct of politicians and leaders and noted that those who promote violence or undermine democracy should be held accountable for their acts.
According to Marriot, her country will maintain its neutral stance and have no goals other than to support the Kenyan people in having a good election.
“At times people still say to me, what is the UK’s real agenda, what is the UK’s hidden agenda in the Kenyan elections. I want to be clear that who Kenya elects is a matter for the people of Kenya. The UK respects Kenya’s sovereignty and remains impartial,” she stated.
Henriette Geiger, the ambassador of the EU to Kenya, argued that the IEBC should be permitted to carry out its constitutionally mandated duty of organising the elections.
“Kenya is a priority country for the EU support, including on elections because Kenya matters. What happens here in Kenya matters so much to the world. I believe the signing of the Election Peace Pledge is perhaps the most critical moment in the electoral process so far,” the EU envoy stated.
The Constitution of Kenya requires that a general election of members of parliament to be held on the second Tuesday in August in every fifth year, which means that the next general election is scheduled for August 9, 2022.
Incumbent president Uhuru Kenyatta is ineligible to pursue a third term due to the two-term limit in the Constitution of Kenya.