From: Nairobi, US Embassy Press Office
Sent: Tuesday, May 24, 2016 4:59 PM
JOINT STATEMENT
Heads of Mission on Recent Violent Demonstrations in Kenya
May 24, 2016
We are deeply concerned by the escalation of violence during the demonstrations in Kenyan cities on 23 May around the future of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). The deaths and injuries of Kenyan citizens were tragic and unnecessary. We urge the Government of Kenya to investigate the actions of the security services and to hold accountable anyone responsible for the use of excessive force. We call on all demonstrators to act peacefully.
Violence will not resolve the issues regarding the future of the IEBC or ensure the 2017 elections are free and credible. We strongly urge all Kenyans to come together to de-escalate the situation and to resolve their differences, taking every opportunity for inclusive dialogue. Kenyans should talk, and any compromise must be implemented in accord with Kenya’s Constitution and the rule of law. As partners, we stand ready to support such a dialogue in any way that is useful.
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This statement has been issued by the following Heads of Mission in Kenya:
Robert F. Godec
Ambassador of the United States
Nic Hailey
High Commissioner for the United Kingdom
Jutta Frasch
Ambassador of Germany
David Angell
High Commissioner for Canada
Johan Borgstam
Ambassador of Sweden
Mette Knudsen
Ambassador of Denmark
Victor C. Rønneberg
Ambassador of Norway
John Feakes
High Commissioner for Australia
Frans Makken
Ambassador of the Netherlands
Rémi Marechaux
Ambassador of France
Roxane de Bilderling
Ambassador of Belgium
Stefano A. Dejak
Ambassador of the European Union
This next presidential election is key for the development of democracy in Kenya. It will indicate whether the politicians and people accept democracy and the will of the electorate. The election violence of 2007 was terrible and the election clearly stolen. But, Kibaki took office and served. The next election was also pretty clearly corrupt, but there was little violence. Kenyatta has had a fairly successful administration, but has not resolved its corruption issues. If this next election can avoid the violence of the past and be fairer, it will signal an acceptance of democracy, an acceptance of the idea of the future: if your candidate doesn’t win this time, you’ll have a chance next time. The other idea of democracy is that the majority must respect the minority — it is not yet clear that this is the case.