AU urges restraint in Kenya amid deadly protests

AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat expressed “deep concern” over the violence that followed protests by the opposition groups in Kenya, leading to a number of deaths.

Besides the loss of lives, the African Union is also worried about the interruption of certain economic activities in Nairobi and other cities in the country.

The violence broke out where supporters of opposition Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition led by their leader Raila Odinga were protesting, leading to deaths and rival gangs loot and destroy property.

While calling for calm and restraint in the East African nation, Faki urged all stakeholders to exercise calm and “engage in dialogue to address any differences that may exist in the supreme interest of national unity and reconciliation.”

“In this regard, the Chairperson wishes to recall the successful conduct of General Elections in August 2022 in Kenya and the subsequent unanimous confirmation of the election outcome by the Supreme Court.”

Mr Odinga’s supporters poured into the streets for the second week, protesting against the high cost of living and what they say is inherent opaqueness of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, which Mr Odinga accuses of rigging him out of last year’s presidential poll in favour of eventual winner William Ruto. Dr Ruto’s victory was, however, confirmed by the Supreme Court in September after describing Odinga’s evidence as “hot air”.

But Odinga has argued new evidence proved he had been rigged out and demanded action by the Commission to open up their servers.

Total support

The AU boss called for dialogue but also expressed total support for the Kenyan government. The AU observers had endorsed the election outcome last year.

“In this regard, the Chairperson wishes to recall the successful conduct of General Elections in August 2022 in Kenya and the subsequent unanimous confirmation of the election outcome by the Supreme Court.”

The protests turned deadly after two people were shot dead in Kisumu while goons attacked the property of Mr Odinga and his ally, former president Uhuru Kenyatta. Kenyatta’s farm was torched as goons looted his livestock and cut down trees.

(With a report by The EastAfrican)