Former Tanzania president to lead observer mission for Kenya’s election

NAIROBI, Kenya

Former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete will lead a delegation of election observers from the East African Community (EAC) deployed to monitor Kenya’s general vote next week.

The EAC mission comprises of 52 observers drawn from key governance and independent institutions and civil society organizations across the seven-member states, excluding Kenya.

The team will be in Kenya until August 12.

Kenya is scheduled to hold its general elections on August 9, with voters choosing the country’s next president.

Four candidates, Deputy President William Ruto, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, George Wajackoyah and David Mwaure are in the running.

The EAC election observer delegation will be tasked with among other things monitoring compliance of the process to national and international standards.

"We are here to assess the level of preparedness of the key electoral stakeholders for this election. We are also looking at the level of compliance of the electoral processes and management and how they meet international, regional and national standards including established laws, principles and practices,” The East African newspaper quotes Kikwete.

"Our mission will interact with a number of key stakeholders in pursuit of peaceful elections. Among these will be IEBC, political parties, candidates, the judiciary, security organs, media and civil society.”

Kenya’s Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) says it is ready to hold a credible election and has urged Kenyans to maintain peace during the entire process.