A combined picture of US ambassador to Kenya Robert Godec (left) and
British High Commissioner to Kenya Nic Hailey. They are among envoys who
commended Kenyans for having confidence in the country's legal system.
PHOTOS | TONNY OMONDI | DENNIS ONSONGO | NATION MEDIA GROUP
Foreign envoys in Kenya have termed the Supreme Court's decision
to nullify President Uhuru Kenyatta's victory as "an example for Africa
and the world"
In a statement sent to newsrooms two
hours after the 11am ruling and signed by 24 foreign ambassadors, the
envoys also congratulated the Kenyan people for "showing patience and
confidence" in the legal system.
No presidential election in Kenya has ever been nullified before.
UNITED STATES
"Kenya's
electoral institutions must now begin preparing for a new presidential
poll later this year and we urge everyone to work to make it free, fair,
credible and peaceful. We have trust in the ability of Kenya and its
citizens to do so," the statement read.
In the ruling
issued on Friday, the court said the electoral board committed
"irregularities and illegalities" during last month's vote, harming the
integrity of the election.
The court also ordered another presidential election to be held within 60 days.
HISTORIC
Envoys,
who appended their signatures include United States ambassador to Kenya
Robert Godec and Nic Hailey, the High Commissioner for the United
Kingdom.
Others are Bruno Pozzi (European Union), Jutta Frasch (Germany), Ralf Hecner (Switzerland) and Mette Knudsen (Denamrk).
Amnesty International also termed the ruling that overturned the results of the August 8 presidential election as historic.
It
“sets an example for the rest of the world,” the human rights group
added in a statement by Justus Nyang’aya, its director for Kenya.
“We
urge all parties to comply with the judgement, and call on the police
to observe restraint in their handling of any celebrations or protests
that may follow this landmark ruling,” Mr Nyang'aya said.
Additional report by Kevin Kelley.
No comments :
Post a Comment