11 diplomats have urged opposition leader Raila Odinga to recognize Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto as the duly elected leaders before dialogue can take place.
According to the joint statement seen by Kenyans.co.ke, the envoys voiced: "Opposition must accept the decision of the Supreme Court to uphold the election of October 26. Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto are the legitimate President and Deputy President of Kenya."
"The Opposition needs to accept this as the basis for the dialogue that it and many Kenyans want," they continued, indicating the need for Raila to compromise the position he assumed as the 'People's President'.
In their statement, the envoys indicated that extra-Constitutional measures to seize power including stoking and threatening violence remained unacceptable.
The recent crackdown on media by the governent that saw four TV stations NTV, Citizen TV, Inooro TV and KTN shutdown for seven days also did not go down well with the envoys.
"The Government, which should be the guarantor of liberty and freedom of expression for all under the law, has shut down television stations," the envoys lamented.
Highlighling the role of media, the envoys stated that: "A free media and civil society keep the public informed and facilitate dialogue, and that dialogue improves the policies and programs that leaders deliver to their citizens."
Alluding to the controversial deportation of the prominent opposition lawyer and self-declared National Resistance Movement (NRM) General Miguna Miguna, the envoys indicated that they were displeased with the disobedience of court orders by government officials.
"We strongly urge the Government to comply fully with court orders and follow legal process in appealing or contesting them." the statement indicated.
Furthermore, the statement read in part: "When individuals are arrested, their rights should be respected and due process followed."
The message calling for the protection of the freedom of expression, freedom of the media, and all civil rights was signed by United States Ambassador Robert F. Godec, United Kingdom's Nic Hailey and Canada's High Commissioner Sara Hradecky among others.
