Addis Ababa and New York, 22 October 2017: The Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, continue to closely monitor developments in Kenya, in the light of the forthcoming presidential election.

Recalling the ruling of the Supreme Court of Kenya of 1 September ordering the holding of a new presidential election, the Secretary-General and the Chairperson of the Commission express the United Nations and African Union commitment to assist Kenya in ensuring a credible and transparent process and upholding the constitutional process. In this respect, they call on all stakeholders to cooperate with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, as the constitutionally-mandated body to conduct the election.

The Secretary-General and the Chairperson of the Commission urge all political actors, parties and their supporters to create conditions for peaceful election and refrain from any act of violence. It is critical that all concerned work towards the preservation of calm and peace in the country.

The Secretary-General and the Chairperson of the Commission stress the need for the Kenyan security services to exercise restraint, use minimal force in performing their duties and respect the freedom and political liberties of all Kenyans.