Political crisis in Kenya deepens due to an incomplete Presidential election re-run; post-election violence continues

NewsBharati    28-Oct-2017
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Nairobi, October 28: The political turmoil regarding Kenya’s election continues. Two successive elections, one Presidential election and another rerun of the election both witnessed a terrific violence in the country. Election Commission canceled presidential election rerun in some parts of the country's western region. The re-run which was held on Thursday is followed by a continued clash between protesters and police in opposition strongholds.

"The commission has deliberated on the various incidents happening in some parts of the country and has postponed the election scheduled to take place tomorrow to a further date to be announced," Wafula Chebukati, IEBC chairman, said late on Friday. The election commission has faced security threat posed by the flair of violence in various parts of the region.

Opposition leader and candidate Raila Odinga had boycotted the new election claiming low credibility. Due to opposition boycott and violence the voter turnout was very low, only 34%. Oppositions called it a planned election and urged people to boycott. The fate of the election is still now uncertain. Though Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta got almost 97% of the vote but the 34% turnout has smashed his dream to again rule the country.

In last Presidential election held in August saw the same kind of violence. Oppositions claimed the election was not at all fair. Later Kenyan Supreme Court canceled the validation of win of Uruhu Kenyatta. Since then the turmoil regarding re-election is going on.

Kenya Presidential Election Kenyatta Odinga IEBC