NAIROBI – The African Union has called for dialogue in Kenya, expressing concern about the violence witnessed during opposition Azimio coalition’s protests on Monday.
African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki urged the political players to exercise calm and engage in dialogue to address any differences that may exist in the supreme interest of national unity and reconciliation.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Faki Moussa Faki called on political stakeholders in Kenya to remain calm and engage in dialogue in order to resolve the current impasse.
“The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, HE. Moussa Faki Mahamat, expresses deep concern at violence following public protests in Kenya since 21 March 2023, which has resulted in loss of life, damage to property and the interruption of certain economic activities in the capital, Nairobi,” the statement said.
Azimio la Umoja Coalition 2022 presidential candidate Mr Raila Odinga has since March 20, 2023 led anti-government protests against President William Ruto.
Mr. Odinga is leading protests against the high cost of living, demanding for the opening of electoral servers of the 2022 presidential elections, which he claims to have been rigged, ad resignation of President Ruto.
The AU, however, acknowledged that Kenya held “a successful general election”, which was unanimously confirmed by the Supreme Court, Kenya’s apex court.
“The Chairperson reiterates the total solidarity with and support to the Government and the People of Kenya’s efforts working towards national unity, peace and stability in the country,” the statement added.
The protests have been violent as opposition supporters engage riot police in Mr Odinga’s strongholds in informal settlements in Nairobi and in Kisumu. Two people have since been killed, while Inspector General Of Police said 23 officers have been injured.
The protests, however, took a different turn on Monday, after goons raided the farm of retired President Uhuru Kenyatta in Kiambu county, which borders Nairobi capital.
Trees were cut down and sheep stolen in the unpresented attack on a former President in the country.
This followed a direct threat by President Ruto’s close ally and National Assembly Majority Leader Mr Kimani Ichungwáh, who warned that the former President’s land would be invaded. They accuse him of sponsoring Mr. Odinga’s protests.
The goons also attacked Mr Odingá’s firm, Specter International in Industrial Area in Nairobi. While the Inspector General of Police, Japhet Koome on Tuesday said his officers had responded swiftly, it was not until Tuesday that police went to Mr Kenyatta’s Northlands farm.
In Kibra, Mr Odinga’s backyard, rival gangs clashed resulting in widespread property destruction and civilian injuries. Local and international journalists were attacked and their equipment and personal items stolen.
PCEA church and its academic institutions were vandalized, equipment of unknown value stolen and the premises torched.
