With less than two months to the August 8 general elections, stakes are high for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to deliver credible and accepted elections.
The electoral body is currently under pressure from election partners and Kenyans to not only meet the timelines but also ensure that the 2017 general elections are free, fair and peaceful.
In the wake of this, IEBC in collaboration with Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), Kura Yangu, Sauti Yangu and other players in the electoral process held a three-day national conference aimed at rallying Kenyans together towards peaceful elections.
Act! was among key players who participated in the event.
Speaking at the event held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), the IEBC Chairperson Wafula Chebukati said the Commission is ready to conduct the elections come August 8. He called on Kenyans to desist from acts that may breach credible and peaceful elections.
“We acknowledge the concerns raised by stakeholders including politicians and Kenyans on our preparedness to handle the elections. I assure you, we are working within the procedures to meet the timelines,” said Chebukati.
“I pledge unwavering commitment to delivering a free, fair and credible general election,” he added.
The US Ambassador to Kenya Robert Godec urged the Commission to work closely with all electoral players to ensure the elections are transparent and peaceful.
“No Kenyan should die because of elections. Kenyans must conduct themselves peacefully before, during and after the elections,” he said.
During the conference, Act! showcased its works around elections as well as conflict prevention and response ahead of the August polls.
“We are working to engage communities and peace structures to be able to counter acts of violence. We are Kenyans and peace should be part and parcel our daily lives as we advocate for credible and peaceful elections,” said Felesia Odada of Act!
Through the Electoral Conflict and Violence Mitigation program, Act! is strengthening the capacity of national and county level peace actors to mitigate and address electoral related conflicts before and after the general elections.
The conference ended with a commitment from politicians, the media, and civil society groups to foster peace during and after the elections.
