No constitutional crisis in Kenya, delegation tells EU assembly

Kigumo MP Ruth Mwaniki, who is leader of the delegation to the 47th ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly, speaks on Kenya's political status following the nullification of the August presidential election result, October 12, 2017. /COURTESY
Kigumo MP Ruth Mwaniki, who is leader of the delegation to the 47th ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly, speaks on Kenya's political status following the nullification of the August presidential election result, October 12, 2017. /COURTESY

Kenya is not facing a constitutional crisis, MPs attending the ACP-EU global meeting of parliamentarians have said.

The legislators said NASA presidential candidate Raila Odinga's withdrawal will not affect the repeat polls on October 26.

They are part of a delegation attending the meeting at the EU Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium.

Raila dared the electoral commission to declare Uhuru Kenyatta president and warned the public will not let him cling to power.

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Led by Kigumo MP Ruth Mwaniki, the lawmakers said the political storm will soon come to an end.

"Kenya has over the years built great resilience in her governance institutions and democratic traditions. Following recent political developments, the country now awaits further advise from the IEBC as well as the judiciary on the next course of action," Mwaniki said on Thursday.

Other members of the delegation include Uasin Gishu Senator Margaret Kamar, Rangwe MP Lilian Gogo and Kenyan ambassador to Belgium Johnson Weru.

IEBC has said Raila has not officially withdrawn from the race.

Chairman Wafula Chebukati said he and his running mate Kalonzo Musyoka only submitted a letter indicating their intention to withdraw.

The chair said the candidates are yet to submit form 24A which is the official withdrawal document.

The commission said all eight presidential candidates who competed in the nullified August polls will be on the ballot following a High Court ruling concerning Thirdway Alliance candidate Ekuru Aukot.

"Since all the candidates who participated in the last election were entitled to run in the presidential election, the commission will comply with the direction to include the names of other candidates," it said in a statement.

IEBC said it will not compel candidates to participate in the repeat election as the law allows them to pull out

by delivering a duly filled form 24A.

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