County News

Former Secretary of State John Kerry to act as an observer in the August elections

Published

7 years ago

June 14, 2017

Kenya's Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed with the immediate former Secretary of State in the Obama adminitration John Kerry at the sidelines of the Oslo Forum on conflict mediation.

Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed with the immediate former Secretary of State in the Obama administration John Kerry at the sidelines of the Oslo Forum on conflict mediation.

NAIROBI—Immediate former US Secretary of State John Kerry will be an observer in the coming elections slated for August 8, the foreign ministry has said.

While meeting at the sidelines of the Olso Forum in the capital Norway, Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed briefed Kerry on the country’s preparedness for the August polls.

“John Kerry and I discussed the status of Preparedness of the Kenya’s 2017 General election,” Amina said after meeting the former Obama aide at the sidelines of the Oslo conference on conflict mediation and resolution.

After the brief, Kerry expressed satisfaction at the process and informed Amina that he expects a smooth process.

Opposition chief Raila Odinga has severally criticised the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for its lack of preparedness to manage the August polls.

The former premier believes putting the Kenya Integrated Electoral Management Systems in place and a thorough audit of the voter register will be key to holding peaceful elections.

Raila faulted the IEBC on ballot papers tender. He says the firm awarded the tender has been in touch with Jubilee.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has accused the opposition of intimidating the electoral commission.

“Allow them to do their work,” he said on Tuesday at a political rally in Rift Valley.