Diplomats in the Western world, especially those who had served their countries meritoriously abroad, are increasingly lending their voices and support to reasonable but controversial causes. For instance, News in Africa Online has learnt that eleven Western envoys, including those from the US and Britain, have urged Kenya’s opposition leader, Raila Odinga, to recognize President Uhuru Kenyatta as the country’s legitimately elected leader.
The diplomats said Raila Odinga needs to accept Kenyatta’s presidency “as the basis for the dialogue that the opposition and many Kenyans want. “We are deeply concerned by recent political developments in Kenya. Both the government and the opposition have taken steps that have undermined Kenya’s institutions, and driven wedges among its citizens”.
You will recall that Odinga held a mock inauguration at the end of last month in which he declared himself as the “people’s president.” The government reacted by shutting down some broadcasting stations and arresting some participants.
The government also deported Odinga’s adviser, Miguna Miguna, despite five court orders for him to be produced in front of a judge and released on bail.
The diplomats have urged the government to obey the laws of the land. “We strongly urge the Government to comply fully with court orders and follow legal process in appealing or contesting them,” they said. “Freedom of expression, freedom of the media, and all civil rights need to be protected.”
Odinga claims he was robbed of the victory he attained in Kenya’s presidential election last August by hackers who altered the vote. Kenya’s Supreme Court nullified the results of that election after Odinga challenged Kenyatta’s victory.
The apex court ordered a fresh election, which Odinga boycotted, insisting that significant electoral reforms were needed. But the ruling party clandestinely changed the electoral law to make it harder for courts to nullify future results.
