by Njoroge Kaburo
NAIROBI, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- The East Africa's bloc on Saturday urged Kenyans to refrain from any act that may be deemed as disruptive nature to the peace and stability of the country.
The Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Executive Secretary Mahboud Maalim urged concerned parties to use the proper and legal channels provided by the Constitution of Kenya and the laws of Kenya.
"Democracy and good governance are critical elements to the enhancement of peace, security and stability in the region," Maalim said in a statement issued in Nairobi.
The statement came after violent protests broke out in some parts of Kenya after the electoral commission declared Uhuru Kenyatta as the duly elected president of Kenya on Friday night.
The announcement prompted reports of protests in some opposition strongholds, particularly Kisumu and parts of Nairobi.
The protesters are on Saturday confronting police in violent protests in Kibera slums as gunshots are heard ringing out overnight and Saturday with ambulances blazing up and down the roads.
Protestors lit bonfires and engaged police in running battles. The body of a man shot by police during the night protest in Siaya was still lying on the road Saturday morning.
Some roads were still blocked in the morning after overnight protests. Relatives said the victim, a motorcycle taxi operator, was shot by a police officer during the protest.
Maalim who congratulated President Kenyatta on his successful re-election for a second term in office said Kenya continues to play a pivotal role in regional integration and socio-economic development, as well as peace and security of the Horn of Africa.
"As a Kenyan national and a citizen of this region, I am very proud in the peaceful, orderly and transparent manner in which the 2017 general elections have been conducted in accordance with the Constitution and the laws of the Republic of Kenya," Maalim said.
The regional bloc called on all political parties and candidates to respect the will of the people of Kenya to insure peace prevails in the country.
