Belgium Ambassador to Kenya Peter Maddens says he is confident the election in Kenya will be peaceful.
Despite concerns expressed by Western diplomats to the Executive, Ambassador Maddens told The Star in an interview he has “great confidence with this election”.
“One of the consequences of the two Covid-19 years is that it was a huge silver lining for Kenya in that it has shown the role of the middle class in Kenya’s stability. Because the middle class has a huge stake in stability, I don’t think they will allow a repeat of 2007,” Maddens said.
The envoy also noted that the voter registration was less than was hoped for and showed some degree of apathy.
“I think that will lead to non-violence. People don’t care, so they won’t come out screaming. You put those two things together and I am hopeful it will be a peaceful election,” the ambassador said.
On February 14, Western diplomats met with the Executive and called for a peaceful and smooth transition in August.
And on February 28, the diplomats in a letter reiterated the need for the government to ensure the elections are transparent and accountable and for a smooth transition.
“We strongly encourage all political actors to follow the principles and articles set out in the charter,” the envoys said in a statement.
They called on the government to ensure that the upcoming polls meet the set thresholds for “equal representation, rule of law, and respect for human rights.
“We, like the people of Kenya, recognise the importance of free, fair, credible and peaceful elections this August to Kenya’s prosperous and stable future,” the diplomats said.
The statement was signed by Luke Williams (Australia), David Da Silva (Canada), Ole Thonke (Denmark), Maarten Brouwer (Netherlands), Gunnar A. Holm (Norway), Caroline Vicini (Sweden), Valentin Zellweger (Switzerland), Jane Marriott (UK) and US Chargé d’Affaires Eric Kneedler.
Maddens, however, shared the concerns, saying they are from what they have seen in the past.
“It is legitimate to say in the past, the process has been more torturous than needed. But in the three cases, the elections ended up with a President who was recognised across the country. It is, therefore, not unnatural for us to be concerned that history could repeat itself,” he said.
The high stake August 9 presidential elections pits two frontrunners: Deputy President William Ruto of the Kenya Kwanza Alliance and ODM leader Raila Odinga, who is the presidential candidate for Azimio movement.
Raila has been backed by President Uhuru Kenyatta, the government, the so-called deep state and Mt Kenya tycoons.
On the other hand, Ruto has gained the support of former Deputy Prime Minister Mudsalia Mudavadi of ANC party and Bungoma Senator Moses Wetang’ula of Ford Kenya party.
He is also enjoying the support of key leaders in Mt Kenya region, which is President Kenyatta’s backyard.
