The British government has faulted a section of Kenya’s political class for its sustained pressure and rush to make changes to the elections law.
This, states UK Minister for Africa Rory Stewart, has culminated to raising tension in the country.
Jubilee MPs passed a bill seeking to amend the Elections Law on Tuesday.
This has further deepened political crisis in the country as NASA was opposed to the amendments from the start.
The proposed changes to electoral law have led NASA to resort to street protest.
Stewart spoke after meeting Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Monicah Juma and NASA Presidential Candidate Raila Odinga who is in the UK for official duty.
He said according to the Star: “UK is a strong supporter of Kenya’s constitution and institutions. It is important for all Kenyans that elections take place in line with the Supreme Court decision of September 1.”
On Thursday, Acting Interior Cabinet Secretary banned NASA from holding anti-IEBC demos within the central business district of Nairobi, Kisumu and Mombasa.
However, NASA has defied the order citing the CS has no capacity to issue such an order.
NASA has been holding street protests thrice a week. Starting next week, the demos will happen daily according to Siaya Senator and Raila Odinga point man James Orengo.
The demonstrations have been attributed to a steep fall of the economy for the last two weeks they have been happening.
Stewart also weighed in on Raila’s withdrawal from the race stating that the move is “regrettable”.
“I emphasized my regret to [Raila] over his decision to withdraw from elections…and urged the former Prime Minister to work with others to ensure democratic elections happen as per the constitution,” said the UK Minister of State for Africa after a private meeting with Raila in London.
Raila travelled to London on Wednesday night where he was to meet high profile personalities as well as deliver a lecture at the Chatham House in London.