Former U.S Secretary of State, John Kerry will lead the Carter Center’s election observation mission in Kenya during the August 8 polls.
Kerry will co-lead together with former Senegalese Prime Minister AminataTouré a team of 50 observers to monitor and track the counting of votes on August 8.
The two were picked by the centre which is a non-governmental organization which among other things focuses on human rights, conflict resolution, election monitoring and public health.
Kerry in a statement said Kenya has made huge strides in championing for peace since poll violence in 2007.
He has since called for a peaceful electioneering period.
“I urge all political parties and candidates to support a fair, orderly, credible, and nonviolent electoral process; respect the electoral code of conduct; and keep faith with the Kenyan people,” he said.
He said as observers, they had a mandate to create a sense of confidence in Kenya with regard to how the polls will be conducted.
“Each and every time I have visited Kenya, I have been reminded of its remarkable culture, strengthened by diversity and dedicated to democratic principles. I look forward to returning later this summer to observe an important election,” he noted.
Ms Toure on her part underscored that Kenya’s democracy would be strengthened further by holding credible and transparent polls.
“It is my hope that the election will be peaceful and reflect the spirit of democracy that persists in Kenya. I urge all election stakeholders to act responsibly and call on their supporters to do the same.”
The team is expected to arrive in Kenya several days before the polls and hold brief a meetings with all stakeholders involved including political party candidates, civil society organizations, government officials, domestic citizen observers, and other international election observer missions.