Keep off Kenyan elections, EAC tells foreigners

[MaxShimba]

East Africa Community member states Saturday waded into the controversy sparked by the US and European Union's warning of possible sanctions if Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto win the March 4 General Election.

In a statement released after the 11th meeting of the Sectoral Council on Foreign Policy Coordination in Dar es Salaam, ministers from Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi and Rwanda asked the international community to keep off the elections and allow Kenyans to elect leaders of their choice.

"We call upon all well wishers to refrain from unduly interfering with the election process in Kenya and underscore the need to respect the will and decision of the people of Kenya to elect leaders of their choice," said Uganda's Foreign Affairs Minister Sam Kutesa, his Tanzania counterpart Bernard Membe and the Security Ministers of Rwanda and Burundi, Sheikh Harerimana Mussa Fazil and Gabriel Nizigama respectively.

"The priority placed in a successful, peaceful, free and fair election is a shared vision with the people of Kenya for a prosperous, stable and united country. The EAC partner states stand together with the Republic of Kenya for the attainment of that aspiration," they added in a statement also signed by Kenya's assistant Security Minister Moses Ole Sakuda.

The statement comes in the wake of a growing list of Western countries uncomfortable with the candidatures of Mr Kenyatta and Mr Ruto in the elections.

The top US diplomat for African Affairs Johnnie Carson sparked the controversy two weeks ago when he sent a veiled message that the election of the Jubilee flagbearer as president could be received negatively by the United States.

However, US Assistant Secretary of State Mr Carson did not specifically say that the US-Kenya relations would suffer if the Jubilee team won the presidential election.

He also refrained from mentioning the two leaders who are facing charges of crimes against humanity at The Hague.

Mr Carson's caution, also echoed by the UK came just two days after a video message on Kenya by President Barack Obama was welcomed by Mr Kenyatta and MR Ruto as an indication that the US government had no objections to their taking power.

France soon joined the US and Britain in the debate on the likely outcome of the elections when its envoy said Paris backed the European Union stand on the consequences of the Jubilee coalition forming the next government.

Speaking in Kisumu, French ambassador to Kenya Etienne de Poncins said: "Our position is that we only have essential contact with somebody who is indicted by the ICC; it is a well-known position, same as that of the British."

While stating that Kenyans had the right to choose their leaders, Mr Poncins maintained that France would adhere to the Rome Statute.

"Our policy is to limit contact only to the essentials," he said.

The Danish ambassador Geert Andersen also waded into the controversy, asking Mr Kenyatta and Mr Ruto to cooperate with the ICC even if they win election on March 4.

Mr Andersen said Denmark will only review its diplomatic relations with Kenya if the suspects refuse to work with the ICC. However, the EU countries will maintain their present ‘no contact' policy with ICC indictees.

Head of Civil Service Francis Kimemia, however, said Kenya would seek clarification from the US on the "contradictions" regarding future engagements.

The statement by Mr Carson, a former US ambassador to Kenya, followed President Obama's declaration that Washington was not supporting any candidate and would respect the verdict of Kenyans in next month's elections.

Mr Kenyatta and Mr Ruto had rushed to laud the US position, which their camp interpreted as backtracking on a presumed threat to impose sanctions if the two were elected.

However, the veteran diplomat warned five times in response to questions referring to Mr Kenyatta that "choices have consequences". He declined to elaborate.

Mr Carson suggested that the choices Kenyans make in the election will have repercussions internationally.

He, however, said that the US would not force Kenyans to elect certain candidates in office.

Source:nation.co.ke

 

[Crucial Man]

Wakulaumiwa hapo ni hao watuumiwa wawili,walitaka kutumia kauli ya obama kuonyesha kwamba hata usa wanajua kwamba watashinda,na wapo tayari kushirikiana nao,kwa nini walirush kuitisha press confarance baada ya kauli ya obama? Jamaa wanajaribu kila njia kujisafisha lakini hili la icc imewakalia pabaya.wakenya msijidanganye kwamba mnajitosheleza bila msaada wa nchi hisani,punde mtaanza kubeba pesa kwenye magunia kwenda kununua mkate mmoja.wenzenu zimbabwe walijifanya wababe wako wapi sasa,serikali imefilisika.msije mkaanza kutubana huku kwetu Tz.

 

[mfianchi]

Wakisema wa nchi za Magharibi wanaambiwa kaeni pembeni hayawahusu,lakini wakisema wana EAC ah hao sawa,Tanzania au Uganda ndio wana mamlaka gani ya kuwasemea Kenya,kwanini TZ na UG nao wasikae pembeni wana haki gani na Kenya ?huko si kuingilia mambo ya ndani ya Kenya wanatofauti gani na hao wa Magharibi?kwanini maoni yao ndio yaonekane ya maana na ya Magharibi yaonekana yanaingilia,na je TZ na UG wangesema kama wanayosema wa Magharibi mungeshadadia?

 

[Mekatilili]

The EAC is a joke! When will they speak on the abuse of power by Museveni in Uganda, or the genocidal Kagame. Just the other day, attackers in Tanzania chopped off the hands of a 7 year old boy with albinism, when will they address that or the religious violence in Zanzibar?

The plight of the poor in East Africa? Aren't these issues more important than protecting the status quo and those indicted for crimes against humanity?

 

[platonist]

The EAC is a joke! When will they speak on the abuse of power by Museveni in Uganda, or the genocidal Kagame. Just the other day, attackers in Tanzania chopped off the hands of a 7 year old boy with albinism, when will they address that or the religious violence in Zanzibar?

The plight of the poor in East Africa? Aren't these issues more important than protecting the status quo and those indicted for crimes against humanity?

we r speaking about immediate tactical interests of the EAC and not ritualists, because those practising ritualism will still do it, it is an age old phenomena, so you cannot do away with it.

 

[Geza Ulole]

The EAC is a joke! When will they speak on the abuse of power by Museveni in Uganda, or the genocidal Kagame. Just the other day, attackers in Tanzania chopped off the hands of a 7 year old boy with albinism, when will they address that or the religious violence in Zanzibar?

The plight of the poor in East Africa? Aren't these issues more important than protecting the status quo and those indicted for crimes against humanity?

it seems those other things do not touch the interests of rulers! it is a sad story indeed

 

[Ndinani]

it seems those other things do not touch the interests of rulers! it is a sad story indeed

Doesn't the assassination of a roman catholic priest by terrorists touch the interests of supposedly peace loving rulers?

 

[Geza Ulole]

Doesn't the assassination of a roman catholic priest by terrorists touch the interests of supposedly peace loving rulers?

not with our leaders like Kikwete, Kagame and Museveni! Not at all....

 

[platonist]

A catholic priest is assassinated in Zanzibar and, ulole, zealous of his political affiliations would cheer on even when this is happening and invoke the name kikwete or M7 to attribute to the crimes:A S 39: Amazing sectarian sponsored terrorism.

 

[Kijakazi]

East Africa Community member states Saturday waded into the controversy sparked by the US and European Union's warning of possible sanctions if Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto win the March 4 General Election.

In a statement released after the 11th meeting of the Sectoral Council on Foreign Policy Coordination in Dar es Salaam, ministers from Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi and Rwanda asked the international community to keep off the elections and allow Kenyans to elect leaders of their choice.

"We call upon all well wishers to refrain from unduly interfering with the election process in Kenya and underscore the need to respect the will and decision of the people of Kenya to elect leaders of their choice," said Uganda's Foreign Affairs Minister Sam Kutesa, his Tanzania counterpart Bernard Membe and the Security Ministers of Rwanda and Burundi, Sheikh Harerimana Mussa Fazil and Gabriel Nizigama respectively.

"The priority placed in a successful, peaceful, free and fair election is a shared vision with the people of Kenya for a prosperous, stable and united country. The EAC partner states stand together with the Republic of Kenya for the attainment of that aspiration," they added in a statement also signed by Kenya's assistant Security Minister Moses Ole Sakuda.

The statement comes in the wake of a growing list of Western countries uncomfortable with the candidatures of Mr Kenyatta and Mr Ruto in the elections.

The top US diplomat for African Affairs Johnnie Carson sparked the controversy two weeks ago when he sent a veiled message that the election of the Jubilee flagbearer as president could be received negatively by the United States.

However, US Assistant Secretary of State Mr Carson did not specifically say that the US-Kenya relations would suffer if the Jubilee team won the presidential election.

He also refrained from mentioning the two leaders who are facing charges of crimes against humanity at The Hague.

Mr Carson's caution, also echoed by the UK came just two days after a video message on Kenya by President Barack Obama was welcomed by Mr Kenyatta and MR Ruto as an indication that the US government had no objections to their taking power.

France soon joined the US and Britain in the debate on the likely outcome of the elections when its envoy said Paris backed the European Union stand on the consequences of the Jubilee coalition forming the next government.

Speaking in Kisumu, French ambassador to Kenya Etienne de Poncins said: "Our position is that we only have essential contact with somebody who is indicted by the ICC; it is a well-known position, same as that of the British."

While stating that Kenyans had the right to choose their leaders, Mr Poncins maintained that France would adhere to the Rome Statute.

"Our policy is to limit contact only to the essentials," he said.

The Danish ambassador Geert Andersen also waded into the controversy, asking Mr Kenyatta and Mr Ruto to cooperate with the ICC even if they win election on March 4.

Mr Andersen said Denmark will only review its diplomatic relations with Kenya if the suspects refuse to work with the ICC. However, the EU countries will maintain their present ‘no contact' policy with ICC indictees.

Head of Civil Service Francis Kimemia, however, said Kenya would seek clarification from the US on the "contradictions" regarding future engagements.

The statement by Mr Carson, a former US ambassador to Kenya, followed President Obama's declaration that Washington was not supporting any candidate and would respect the verdict of Kenyans in next month's elections.

Mr Kenyatta and Mr Ruto had rushed to laud the US position, which their camp interpreted as backtracking on a presumed threat to impose sanctions if the two were elected.

However, the veteran diplomat warned five times in response to questions referring to Mr Kenyatta that "choices have consequences". He declined to elaborate.

Mr Carson suggested that the choices Kenyans make in the election will have repercussions internationally.

He, however, said that the US would not force Kenyans to elect certain candidates in office.

Source:nation.co.ke

Hapo Wazungu wakiamua tu kuwadai hela zao za Jengo la ofisi za Afrika Mashariki walilowajengea Arusha, kelele zote kwisha

 

[Sinister]

What nationality is this Geza Ulole, guy?

 

[Julius Kaisari]

This is the most irresponsible and Hypocritical statement. Can they Stay away from the Westerners and Foreigners Money and Grants/Aids? Basic Shyt EAC!!

 

[Mpitagwa]

Mzunguz are trying to be friendly by sending signals of what are their wishes as far as election in Kenya is concerned. Our leaders in East Africa cannot go against the will of these Mzunguz because they have refused to think and gave that responsibility to mzunguz. The Americans and EUs knows where and how to fix all these leaders one after the other.In short mzunguz are by far smarter than our leaders.
Imagine a rich country like Tanzania depending 40% from Mzunguz, What if they say no more budget support to Tanzania? That will mean general election before 2015. I pray that Kenya's make a decision which is not contrary to the wish and expectations of the international community.

 

[Kabaridi]

It is not just easy as you may want to present it because the international community will initially come in a friendly nature but the devil in sheep-skin comes when they foist demands on African governments. Why don't you learn from your nieghbors DRC congo since mobutu then you can understand why EAC is a must.

If you want posterity for you children without vision leaders being the agents that civil war can erupt then EAC is the option. if you want middle-east turmoil then befriend the west.

simple

 

[Ab-Titchaz]

If you want posterity for you children without vision leaders being the agents that civil war can erupt then EAC is the option. if you want middle-east turmoil then befriend the west.

simple

Kabaridi,

Heshima mbele. Habari za Laikipia na GG Kariuki?

Why on God's green earth are you comparing Oranges and apples?

...Are you tryna say we need to look at the likes of Museveni, Kikwete, Kagame and Kibaki
for the posterity of our kids?

bila words aisee!

 

[kshaka]

Kabaridi,

Heshima mbele. Habari za Laikipia na GG Kariuki?

Why on God's green earth are you comparing Oranges and apples?

...Are you tryna say we need to look at the likes of Museveni, Kikwete, Kagame and Kibaki
for the posterity of our kids?

bila words aisee!

It boggles the mind...it really does, doesn't it!

 

[Kabaridi]

Kabaridi,

Heshima mbele. Habari za Laikipia na GG Kariuki?

Why on God's green earth are you comparing Oranges and apples?

...Are you tryna say we need to look at the likes of Museveni, Kikwete, Kagame and Kibaki
for the posterity of our kids?

bila words aisee!

laikipia kuzuri mkuu,

I am not trying to dignify dictators, all I am saying is kenyans to be wise and choose leaders that have the best interests for this country.

Wewe mkuu you will agree with me that there has been alot of despondancy created by some media that are affiliated to some secretariat of certain political parties and activists of the consequences of a jubilee government, which was completely unwarranted given the path the country has taken. A scheme hatched to create doubt to the local and outside investors.

We should be objective when looking at this matter and avoid saying that kenya is a special case. your kids need to have assurance that they will continue schooling without disruptuin from elections or destabalising activities from politicians within the civil service.

 

[Dr. Job]

It is not just easy as you may want to present it because the international community will initially come in a friendly nature but the devil in sheep-skin comes when they foist demands on African governments. Why don't you learn from your nieghbors DRC congo since mobutu then you can understand why EAC is a must.

If you want posterity for you children without vision leaders being the agents that civil war can erupt then EAC is the option. if you want middle-east turmoil then befriend the west.

simple

Even these EAC folks you are batting for are foreigners for crying out loud.....and why should me nd my family listen to them may I ask?

 

[Kabaridi]

Dr. Job you are off radar, because the chairman of the EAC consortium is M7 and the former was Kibaki, so I do not get it where or how foreigners are involved

 

[Dr. Job]

Dr. Job you are off radar, because the chairman of the EAC consortium is M7 and the former was Kibaki, so I do not get it where or how foreigners are involved

If you are not a Kenyan, you are a foreigner!....what is so hard to understand there?
...or to you a foreigner is the West only?