Fifteen organisations including civil society, professional bodies and religious organisations under “Return to Reason”, have today 19th October 2017 called for dialogue in the current political deadlock.
Speaking at a press conference in Nairobi, the organisations urged key political players to drop hardline positions for the interest of the nation.
“Politics must not be a matter of life or death. Leaders must also publicly reject insults and violence. They must ensure their supporters do the same.” Read part of the statement. They said that the heated political rhetoric and hardline positioning by all politicians violates Article 81 and the economic well-being of the country and citizens. The group further noted that violence, abuse the National Assembly and attacks on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission and the Supreme Court of Kenya are acts that go against democracy.
The use of excessive force by police was also raised. They urged the Kenyan National Commission of Human Rights, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and the United Nations to investigate the matter to ensure Police officers who have broken the law are accountable.
According to leaders from the organizations, dialogue is the best solution for the country at the moment. “It is clear to us that without a political agreement, October 26 can no longer stand as a viable date for the Presidential Elections. We strongly urge the Presidential candidates to accept the IEBC Chairperson’s invitation to meet this afternoon and chart a way forward towards a free, fair, credible, and peaceful election.” they opined.
This comes just a day after the IEBC Chairperson, Wafula Chebukati, invited President Uhuru Kenyatta and Nasa leader Raila Odinga for a meeting to discuss the way forward.
The organisations include Transparency International Kenya, Chapter One, Mzalendo Trust, NGO Child Rights Committee, I Choose Life Africa, Kenya Kenya Medical Association, National Integrity Alliance, Siasa Place and Kenya Medical Practitioners.
