INVOLVEMENT BY EUROPEAN UNION (EU) OBSERVERS IN KENYA’S POLIT ICAL SCENE AND INTERNAL AFFAIRS

RE: UNPROFESSIONAL AND PARTISAN INVOLVEMENT BY EUROPEAN UNION (EU) OBSERVERS IN KENYA’S POLIT ICAL SCENE AND INTERNAL AFFAIRS

We refer to the above matter. 

It is with profound shock and great sadness that the Jubilee Coalition writes this formal protest letter to the Europe Union (EU). It has come to our attention that that two EU Core team observers (Naledi Lester and Mathieu Merino) are closely assisting the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) in its spurious, mischievous and misguided Presidential Election Petition which seeks to overturn the will of the Kenyan People as expressed in what all observers have termed was a free, fair and credible election.This is simply unacceptable.

For members of the observer group to adopt such a partisan role and openly assist a Candidate in the just concluded Presidential Elections makes a mockery of the EU’s claims of neutrality and non-partisanship. It is clear to all Kenyans that the EU had a vested interested in the Presidential Poll and all statements made and actions taken by the EU or its constituent States must be interpreted with that in mind. The refusal of the EU to abide by the basic standards of diplomatic courtesy has perplexed many Kenyans. However, in light of these recent developments it is now clear to us that the EU’s unprecedented action was a case of sour grapes over the defeat of their favoured Candidate.

It had been alleged in various quarters that in the run-up to the General Elections the EU was covertly funding the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and CORD through funds laundered through Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) based in Kenya. At the time we viewed those claims as too incredulous to believe but now we regret to say that they have gained credence in our eyes.We wish to remind you that Kenya has been a steadfast friend and ally of Europe for many decades. To sully your reputation in the eyes of Kenyans over transient political alignments is not merely folly; it is an insult to the erstwhile close and enduring friendship that has existed all along between us.

We DEMAND that the EU immediately cease its overt and active support for CORD and respect the sovereignty of the Republic of Kenya. The meddlesome attempts to load the die, in order to guarantee a favorable outcome for a Candidate perceived by the EU as more malleable and accommodating, is bound to fail. All that will be achieved is tarnishing the image and reputation of the EU in the eyes of Kenyans.

Yours Faithfully,

Jasper Mbiuki

Secretary, Legal Affairs