The Carter Centre observation group under the leadership of former US Secretary of State John Kerry on Monday urged President Uhuru Kenyatta to initiate a national dialogue to bring the country together after the end of the electioneering period.
The observer group explained that it was important for the President and all politicians including Opposition Leader Raila Odinga to engage in consultative discussions for the benefit of the country.
"President Uhuru Kenyatta, who has a fresh mandate to lead all Kenyans, should re-initiate the national dialogue that culminated in the 2010 Constitution," the carter group noted.
The team further noted that if such talks are held they should come up with additional measures to address the divisions that come after Kenyan elections.
[caption caption="File image of US Secretary of State and Opposition Leader Raila Odinga"]
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Addressing the current anxiety and tension in the country, the observer group explained that it was necessary for the police to restrain from using excessive force against unarmed citizens.
"We remind the Kenyan government of its obligation to protect the constitutional rights of peaceful assembly, free speech, and security of the person, to enable inclusive participation in the country’s political and dialogue processes," the team noted.
The statement came after the Court upheld President Kenyatta’s re-election following the dismissal of two petitions filed by former Kilome MP Harun Mwau and activists Njonjo Mue and Khelef Khalifa.
In the judgment, Chief Justice David Maraga stated that the petitions were not merited and were thus dismissed.
The CJ noted that the two presidential election petitions were consolidated and heard together because of time pressure and that the judges had arrived at the final decision unanimously.
He added that the detailed judgment of the presidential petition shall be issued within 21 days of the determination issued on Monday.
[caption caption="File image of Supreme Court Judges at a past hearing"]
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"The presidential election held on 26 October is hereby upheld as is the election of the third respondent. Each party shall bear its own cost," Maraga stated.
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