AU calls for calm, dialogue in Kenya

The African Union has appealed for calm and dialogue in Kenya following protests that are causing loss to businesses, damage to property and loss of lives.

Opposition leader Raila Odinga along with politicians allied to his Azimio coalition have been holding protests in the capital Nairobi urging the government to tackle cost of living besides calls for electoral justice.

In a statement, African Union Commission chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat urged all stakeholders to exercise calm, and engage in dialogue to solve their differences.

“The chairperson wishes to recall the successful conduct of the General Election in August 2022 in Kenya and the subsequent unanimous confirmation of the election outcome by the supreme court,” noted Mr Mahamat.

For the second week in a row, businesses in some parts of Nairobi, Kisumu and Migori suffered losses as Mr Odinga and his supporters engaged in running battles with the police.

Starting this week, Mr Odinga has called for indefinite protests twice a week, demanding measures to address the high cost of food such as maize flour. He also has accused President Willan Ruto of cheating in last year’s presidential election held in August.