Delaware Senator Chris Coons finally revealed details of his meeting with former President Uhuru Kenyatta, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga that solved political unrest in the country.
In a statement on Monday, April 3, Coons stated that during his talks with Kenyan leaders, he encouraged the opposition leader and the president to find a path forward on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) that would recognise the role of strong, effective opposition in a multiparty system.
The recruitment of IEBC commissioners had a former part for Raila's demands that saw the opposition sanction nationwide protests.
In his observation, Coons expressed his satisfaction with the move by President William Ruto on Sunday, April 2, (to call for dialogue) noting that it was after the discussions that Ruto committed to addressing concerns about the IEBC and negotiating a path forward.
Further, the Senator noted that U.S. Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman joined him in all the discussions.
“Ruto committed to addressing concerns about the IEBC and negotiating a path forward for Azimio to serve as an effective opposition.
“Odinga welcomed Ruto’s outreach and agreed to suspend planned demonstrations for the coming week. Senator Coons expressed his gratitude to all parties and his belief that to preserve and strengthen democracy,” read a brief on his website detailing his travel to Kenya.
In addition, the Senator stated that he urged the political leaders to seek accountability for the attacks and the destruction of property, including those belonging to former President Uhuru Kenyatta and Opposition leader Raila Odinga.
He also addressed concerns to Ruto and Gachagua about the excessive use of force by police and attacks on journalists during the Azimio-led protest.
"Political leaders must put the public’s interest above their own, demonstrate respect for fundamental rights, and protect space for criticism and dissent,” the Senator noted
Coons compared the political situation in Kenya with the democracy in America noting that it had also experienced many challenges, including disputes about election results and post-election violence.
“I urged Odinga and leaders of the Azimio political alliance to address their concerns through legal pathways and ensure their supporters protest peacefully.
“Continuing to uphold the rule of law and avoiding ongoing political violence will be critical to Kenya’s economic growth and opportunities,” he added.
The Head of State called on Odinga to call off the protests on Sunday, April 2, and in response, the opposition leader called off the countrywide mass protests noting that he had welcomed the call for dialogue by Ruto.
Further, on Monday, April 3, Ruto summoned the Leader of the Majority in the National Assembly Kimani Ichung'wah and instructed him and his Senate counterpart Aaron Cheruiyot to establish a framework for the bi-partisan approach to address some of the issues raised by Odinga, marking a success of the behind-the-scenes effort to effect dialogue in the country.
