African Union Open-Ended Committee of Ministers of Foreign Affairs on the International Criminal Court Convened its 6th Meeting on the Sidelines of the 32nd Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union (27.01.2018)

The African Union Commission Condemns the Killing of an IEBC Staff member (01.08.2017)

Addis Ababa, 1 August 2017: The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) Moussa Faki Mahamat has learnt with shock about the killing of Mr Christopher Msando, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Manager at the Independent Electoral and Boundary Commission (IEBC) of Kenya. This dastardly act happened a week ahead of the Kenyan general elections planned for 8 August 2017.

“I condemn this senseless act in the strongest terms and call on the Kenyan authorities to conduct a full investigation into the murder and bring those responsible to justice. I extend my most sincere condolences to the family of the deceased as well as the management and staff of the IEBC on the loss of their loved one and colleague,”” said the Chairperson of the Commission.

The Chairperson urges the Government of the Republic of Kenya to provide adequate protection for all electoral stakeholders to guarantee the security and integrity of the electoral process. He further urges the parties, candidates and their supporters to refrain from all acts of violence and intimidation that could derail the peaceful conduct of the 2017 elections. Kenyans deserve free, fair and credible elections.

Cognisant of the significant role that the late Mr Msando played in ensuring credible elections, the AUC Chairperson calls on the IEBC and the Kenyan authorities to take the immediate necessary measures to ensure that his tragic death does not impact negatively on the elections.

The Chairperson reaffirms the AU’s full solidarity with, and support to, the Government and the people of Kenya in the conduct of democratic, credible and peaceful elections, in line with the Continent’s shared values, as articulated in the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance and in other relevant instruments of the AU.

For media enquiries, contact:
Ebba Kalondo
Spokesperson the Chairperson
Mob: +251911510512
Email: KalondoE@Africa-Union.org

Kenya: Update on the Status of the Investigations following the Murder of Christopher Msando, the Deputy Director ICT at the IEBC and Maryanne Wanjiru Ngumbu (01.08.2017)

The Killings of Nkaissery and Msando: Leaves many stones unturned!

When Cabinet Secretary of Interior Joseph Ole Nkaissery, the whole timeline and acts of his last day went silent. Nevertheless, before the smoke from the fire settled the Jubilee government had his successor Dr. Fred Matiang’i was on the doorsteps proudly presented before even the President and his deputy had visited, paid dues or showed respect to the late people’s families.

Now again, the sinister acts are approaching, as ICT Manager in the IEBC Chris Msando, who went missing and suddenly ended in the morgue, with no one seeing, hearing or recollecting anything of the foul acts against him. His car were left behind in another part of town and his body was taken from the forest to City Mortuary, without anyone seeing it or registering it.

Therefore, this weekend from Friday, he went missing and no one knew anything. Saturday night his car was found in Roysambu ward in Karasani, Nairobi. While his body Kikuyu, Kiambe, which is another part town before suddenly with the wind taken to the Mortuary without any trace. On Monday, the revelation of his body and his possible became known, as he was even missing an arm and proof of struggle. Certainly, someone wished upon the ICT man a painful death.

We can just imagine and wonder what is the next sinister move from these ruthless and reckless individuals, who secretly and in the dark kills top officials? Since both Nkaissery and Msando went away very fast. Whatever happened at Bomas the night of the late CS have not been revealed yet and neither has the cameras following the Land Rover of Msando during this weekend. The questionable assassinations of these individuals, together with previous extra-judicial killings, really spark a fire in the dire need valuating human lives. Since it seems so easy to get rid of top-officials while the criminals are roaming the streets.

There will be many more pressers, more statements and more allegations, as the collateral damage, the sad life of Caro Ngumbu a resident of Kiambu, this was the unknown killed woman beside Msando. It is just a tragic loss of yet another life; another person lost her time, because of someone’s will extend power by any means. The officials are to intimidate and take control of certain aspects before the election.

Either the killing of Nkaissery, is to have a loyal and puppet in control of the security. So that the military and police can act as they please, instead of the hardheaded orders of Nkaissery. Who would use all means and use the methods he saw fit for control and not let the security organizations control him.

That raises the question as if it are planning to rig the election and the electronic or digital voting system that Msando put in place. Therefore, to be able to rig it now and if they wanted to change the formula in time, they had to silence and get rid of him. Since he was the brain behind the KIEMs and wanted to make sure, no dead person could vote or no one could vote twice. If they did not fear his system or approach and could interfere, they would have let the man be.

The possible breaches of the system is there, the lack of trust between opposition and many voters are apparent. Because they see the death and the silence of the government on these matters. The unresolved cold-cases of extra-judicial killings, which are killing-spree for go-lucky assassins.

The international condemnation are just another statute, that does not solve anything, unless Scotland and the FBI or any sort Interpol actually must up some people investigating these sinister crimes. Since the Police Service of Kenya, are letting them go, because they fear what they will find.

There is smoke and there is fire. What the investigators will find and what the cause of the matter, other than intimidation and control of the ICT at the IEBC at a crucial time before the General Election. Who knows what more is hidden in the shadows, I do not know, but with certainty that it is more than meet the eye. The same feeling I had when Nkaissery went as well, since his pivotal role was suddenly diminished and with no forewarning.

There is just a week until the polls, but the questions might not be answered until long after the ballots are cast. However, what is needed is reassurance and reflections of the dire situation, where high-ranking state officials die with clear answers to their demise. Peace

Kenya: IEBC – “The Commission wishes to notify the public that one of its ICT Managers was last seen on Friday night. Efforts being made to trace him” (30.07.2017)

Kenya: Thirdway Alliance – “Press Release on the Presidential Ballot Papers Due Dilligence Update at Al Ghurair Printing and Publishing LLC in Dubai, UAE” (28.07.2017)

Kenya: IEBC – Code of Conduct Summons on Marsabit Violence (27.07.2017)

I wonder if President Kenyatta feel he is entitled and that it is beneath him to have a debate with Odinga?

You can wonder and get amazed, he did the same trick President Museveni did in the General Election 2016, and he did not show up at the live TV debate between the Presidential Candidates. Just like in Uganda, his arch nemesis showed up and that was the NASA candidate Raila Odinga. Not that all the other candidates showed up either, but it was only one-half of the main candidates. That the incumbent President Uhuru Kenyatta of the Jubilee could not show is amazing. Especially, since there were reports that he ditched the planned rallies on the same day.

At this point, it does not matter what Odinga said yesterday at the Debate, he at least showed up on Primetime TV spot and showed himself for the republic and the incumbent could not care less about the arranged debate. What is so dangerous about it Kenyatta? Is it terrible to ask questions about your achievement in office?

It seems so, since you could not spare the time or the effort to show up to the debate. Only one that was on live TV and on most of the channels. I would have loved to discuss the difference in style and in chose of words to the different questions between Odinga and Kenyatta. However, I cannot do that, since it was one party there and the other left behind.

So at this point, it is mere enough for the support and the courage of Odinga, just to be there and take the questions from journalists and the audience, something the President was to big to do or something like that.

His State House Spokesperson Manoah Esipisu wrote this today: “Today, His Excellency President Uhuru Kenyatta will commence an intense 12-day tour of Kenya, to meet fellow citizens from all walks of life, in all regions of the country. His last campaign events will be in the capital Nairobi on August 6 – 48 hours before the August 8 elections. This will be the second round of an all counties campaign where the President will take his message to Kenyans. Only this Sunday he completed a 14-counties blitz covered in seven days in which he put his call for unity and peace at the heart of his campaign agenda. These meet-the-people visits will see the President traverse 30 counties, making stops at more than 200 campaign stops. His Excellency the Deputy President, the Honourable William Ruto, will be visiting dozens of counties as well, making another 200 campaign stops. The President is going directly to the people to demonstrate what the August election is about – himself as someone who is fighting to deliver benefits, success and prosperity to the people versus an opposition challenger who is only after power for himself” (President.co.ke – ‘Spokesperson’s statement’ 25.07.2017).

It is okay, that the President campaigns and travels to every corner of Kenya, that he visit every single county and even every major town of the Republic. Nevertheless, why do he not have the time for a scheduled TV-Debate? Is that too much to ask and anticipate of the President? That the people all through the nation can watch and discuss the differences between him and Odinga?

Let me end on a side-note, but still a viable one. Does President Kenyatta, feel entitled to be the President and therefore a debate about his position and character is beneath him? That is how it can seem like, to not only me, but also many others.

Therefore, we are at this junction and so near the end of the campaigns and race for 8^th August polls, there have been significant difference between the NASA and Jubilee from the get-go. In addition, with the time, it is more evident, than ever before. This race will be tight and prognoses seems to be for NASA in many aspects, but hard to grasp yet. There are enough days to see the wind of change. Nevertheless, this is something that is hard to anticipate.

What we can ask ourselves after yesterday’s acts of the President Kenyatta, does he feel entitled to rule and be Executive, or is it just mere arrogance towards Odinga. Peace.

Kenya: NASA Condems Plans for Military Involvement in Election (23.07.2017)

Jubilee government are afraid for the Post-Election since they prepare for massive demonstrations!

There is something rare about election and preparations to them. The decisions made in the days, months before really sends signals to what is important, and what is needed for the safety of the Republic. Now, it’s revealed, that it was not just whistling out of his mouth, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Joseph Boinnet, did yesterday. He and his organization, the security operations of the Police has purchased and prepared itself for massive demonstrations. As if they are prepared for an uprising, since the results might differ to the actual voting. Which in some regions should be in favor of NASA instead of Jubilee. However, alas, that is why the IGP have been busy with the Minister of Interior to get new merchandise and make ready for mayhem. The Police who are there to serve and protect, do not trust the citizen they are working for! Therefore, they have ordered dozens of new Armored Vehicles from South Korea, tons of tear-gas and other equipment to make sure the citizens stay behind closed doors and behave. Just look!

“At least a dozen new South Korean made riot control vehicles arrived in Nairobi at the weekend, increasing to more than 30, the number of water canons for police use to quell chaos. The fleet of new armoured vehicles with advanced features is in addition to a new consignment of anti-riot gear including teargas canisters, batons, anti-riot wear and guns that have come through the port of Mombasa. Security sources explained the new anti-riot gear has been distributed to various parts of the country in the past month alone as authorities prepare to secure elections and deal with violence should it break out” (Ombati, 2017).

“The vehicle, according to the manufacturer’s website, has capacity to mix the chemical from the cabin while water gun shooting. It has a nozzle of shooting distance of minimum of 25 metres and maximum 70 metres with an elevation of 90 degrees and rotation of 320 degrees. Each of the new trucks has two water cannons on top of the cabin. It also has a fully automated and centralised control system, a cabin protector and can carry seven crew at a time” (Ombati, 2017).

“Tonnes of tear gas canisters are also among resources that have been mobilised and sent to various places ahead of the polls” (Ombati, 2017).

It seems like the Jubilee government are afraid, they are nervous of the aftermath of the election. They seem to be on edge and wondering how it will go, since they have to threaten, spread fear and buy all of this expensive equipment to silence possible demonstrators. They do not trust the public and their will, when they are super prepared for violence, even when there is no reason to be alarmed. It is supposed to be peaceful elections, right?

It is right that the opposition has hold dozens of demonstrations against the Electoral Body of the Republic and the amendments concerning legislation towards the election. Not that the Jubilee did give much way, only the needed steps to stop the leadership from making their supports continue to rally. Still, the attempt of distrust and disengage the public. Seems very obvious, since instead of being in dialogue with the local leadership at the possible hot-spots. They are coming with tear-gas and anti-riot gear. Not talking, but planning to suppress the distrust from the public towards the Central Government. That is what the planned effort looks like. Not like Jubilee took time to talk and engage, but rather bought expensive riot-gear from South Korea. Like that going to solve the possible problem, if it there and known about.

The only thing it will do, it will quell the demonstrations and possible aftermath of the election, but the wounds are still there. This is not patching up the hurt. Instead, it is spreading fire, with more fire and hope it stop it. It could work, but what cost? When the left behind is burned land and no seedlings of hope for the future.

Shouldn’t the government have worked for a better solution and also had more faith in their citizens than expecting violence and demonstration, that is if the government and electoral bodies we’re prepared for a free and fair election, and not a rigged one. Time will tell, time will only tell. Nevertheless, these signs of possible oppression from the National Police Service does not give me green light. More of the red light and concern of the outcome. Since the Police and the authorities already prepare to use massive force against civilians. Peace.

Reference:

Ombati, Cyrus – ‘More tear gas, guns arrive to deal with mass protests after August elections’ (17.07.2017) link: https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/article/2001247838/more-tear-gas-guns-arrive-to-deal-with-mass-protests-after-august-elections