[SIZE=5]Donors ask Raila Odinga to rescind decision to boycott poll
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Nasa leader Raila Odinga. PHOTO | NATION MEDIA GROUP
[SIZE=3]By AGGREY MUTAMBO[/SIZE]
Western donors want National Super Alliance leader, Raila Odinga, to rescind his withdrawal from the upcoming repeat election, even as they insist on respect for the IEBC.
The move by the Opposition last week may have surprised many of the envoys, after they had pressured both sides of the political divide to let the IEBC do its job and plan for elections.
However, Mr Odinga argued he and his running mate Kalonzo Musyoka were withdrawing from the race because the electoral agency had not heeded their call for reforms.
“We called on all actors to participate and respect the constitution. We are reviewing the practical implications of this withdrawal,” a senior diplomat from the European Union Delegation in Kenya told the Nation, suggesting the Supreme Court may be required to “pronounce itself on this matter.”
REGRET DECISION
“We regret this decision and we feel it would have been better if the Constitution, and the Supreme Court ruling, are respected.”
Asked on possible sanctions, the EU official said his bloc were considering none at the moment, but said the EU sees a peaceful election as a better pathway to stability.
The EU has been indirectly supporting programmes at the IEBC. Through the UNDP, the European body, the United Kingdom and the US, they pumped about Sh500 million for programmes that range from training to civic education.
Recently, the UK called on all parties to ensure the presidential election is held according to the ruling of the Supreme Court.
“The UK has called for a free, fair and peaceful presidential election in Kenya in line with the constitution. We are disappointed by opposition candidate Raila Odinga’s decision to withdraw from the contest scheduled for 26 October,” a spokesperson at the UK High Commission in Nairobi said in a statement.
VIOLENCE
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