Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta says that he will concede defeat in the upcoming General election if he loses, this even as his main opponent former Prime Minister Raila Odinga faulted the country’s electoral commission for allegedly not providing a level playing field during the campaign period.
Kenyatta pledged at a press conference that he will ensure a smooth transition should he not win a second term.
Odinga on the other hand pledged that his coalition, the National Super Alliance (Nasa) would keep peace during and after elections, but warned that the use of state resources by the ruling coalition to campaign for a second term gave them an unfair advantage saying that would compromise the credibility of the August polls.
President Kenyatta and his Deputy William Ruto are traversing the country seeking the voters’ nod a second term.
While former Prime Minister Odinga and former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka has joined hands with several political parties in a bid to solidifying their support.
All eyes are on the Independent Elections and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to deliver a credible, free and fair election. The opposition says the process this
far is wanting, of main concern is what Odinga terms as the use of state resources by the ruling coalition to campaign.
“The IEBC has remained silent in the middle of all these. That is worrying indeed. It is not a way to build faith that the elections will be free, fair and credible and that all players will be subjected to similar treatment under the law.”
The electoral commission however says it is prepared to deliver a free fair election on a level playing field. President Kenyatta dismissed the criticism and urged the opposition to allow the electoral team to carry out its work.
“Any attack on the IEBC is an attack against an important pillar that is a guardian of our democracy.”
The race is tight and stakes are high, Kenyatta is seeking a second and final term, while Odinga is running for the fourth and final time.
“If you the people tell me on August 8th that you want fresh leadership, I will humbly step aside and ensure a respectful and peaceful transition of power – and urge my opponent, my competitors in this contest on this matter… no buts, just commit to ensure peace and accept the verdict of majority of Kenyans,” added Kenyetta.
There have been fears that the polls may be marred by chaos but both sides of the political divide have pledged to uphold peace.
– By Sarah Kimani
