International election observers return to Kenya ahead of run-off

They might have come in for criticism during the conduct of Kenya’s August 8 election but that has not stopped international election groups from returning to the country ahead of the presidential run-off scheduled for October 26.

Several international observers of the August 8 election gave it a clean bill of health,calling it a free and fair election in spite of challenges.

The Supreme Court of Kenya's decision to annul the election based on a majority decision that cited several irregularities however put  a dent in the credibility of the election observers as a useful tool for the process in Kenya.

The opposition NASA party’s Siaya  Senator,James Orengo was a big critic.

“Some of them just have big names but have nothing to offer on matters of observing the elections.

“They can do what they want to do or say whatever they want but they should not tell us to go to court because it is not our option.”

This lack of faith however will not stop observers from the Commonwealth , the African Union,the Carter Centre and several others from visiting the country.

The US based Carter Centre for instance has already posted adverts to recruit short term observers in the country while also issuing recommendations to the Independent Election and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) as well as the Jubilee and NASA parties.

Among them, the Centre expects regular consultation between the IEBC  and the parties on processes as well as reduced attacks on the Judiciary by the parties.