Kenyans in the diaspora have asked IEBC to urgently meet Jubilee and NASA leaders to solve their stalemate over the repeat election.
Former Rangwe MP Shem Ochuodho, chairman of Kenya Diaspora Alliance, noted Kenyans living abroad are concerned.
IEBC talks with stakeholders collapsed on Thursday after NASA representatives walked out of the meeting.
Ochuodho also noted the deadlock is eating into the schedule for the October 26 poll.
NASA has set conditions which its chiefs say must be met before Uhuru Kenyatta (Jubilee Party) vies again against their candidate Raila Odinga.
The Opposition coalition wants the IEBC secretariat reconstituted and Parliament to shelve the process of amending electoral laws.
Jubilee has insisted the election must go on as scheduled and that the laws should be passed. Leaders in the ruling coalition have said they will not be cowed by protests called by National Super Alliance leaders.
Ochuodho further said the stalemate is hurting the economy owing to the uncertainties around the fresh vote.
The chairman added the current political situation is affecting businessmen who rely on the Kenyan market for goods and services.
“Trade cannot go on smoothly in a country whose business trends cannot be understood especially because of political uncertainty.”
In his interview with The Star, the chairman accused leaders of using the opportunity to serve their selfish interests at the expense of Kenyans.
He noted the public wants a peaceful election yet politicians want to cause chaos.
Ochuodho urged the presidential candidates to prevail upon their supporters to drop their hard line positions so IEBC conducts the poll peacefully.
“It’s only they who can save the country. We appeal to both parties to put Kenya’s interests ahead of everything.”
“The hard line stances are detrimental to the election environment and the country’s unity,” he added, and urged IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati to meet Uhuru and Raila
“Politicians should know the deadlock they have subjected the county to is economically dangerous.”
Source link-the-star.co.ke
