People queue to vote in Kenya's repeat presidential polls at a polling station in Nairobi, Kenya, Oct. 26, 2017. Voting in Kenya's repeat presidential polls began on Thursday as some polling stations, mainly in opposition strongholds, reported disruptions and low voter turnout. (Xinhua/Chen Cheng)
NAIROBI, Oct. 27 (Xinhua) -- Seven heads of international poll observer missions on Friday appealed for calm in Kenya following the conclusion of the presidential election that has deeply divided the East African nation.
In a joint statement issued in Nairobi, the heads of groups from the Commonwealth, EU, Africa Union, The Carter Center among others urged Kenyans to refrain from unlawful acts and respect the rule of law.
"We urge all Kenyans to refrain from unlawful acts and respect the rights of fellow citizens, including polling staff, independent observers, and others who have a responsibility in the election process," the observers said.
The statement comes amid violence which was experienced across Western Kenya and in some parts of Nairobi where five people have lost their lives and several others injured in anti-poll protests.
The electoral body has since suspended elections that were due to be held on Saturday in four counties of Western Kenya.
The observers noted the decision of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to postpone polling in Homa Bay, Kisumu, Migori and Siaya counties, based on the electoral law, saying that all citizens have the right to vote or not to vote.
"We appreciate that the Constitution of Kenya guarantees the right to peaceful demonstration. Citizens have a responsibility to uphold the law whilst exercising their rights," they said.
The foreign missions called on security forces who have been battling anti-poll protesters provide protection to all citizens and avoid the excessive use of force.
"We call for full accountability of the security agencies for all actions taken that result in injury and loss of life," said the observers.
On its part, the local poll observers said the just concluded presidential re-run has amplified divisions in the society and body politic.
Anti-riot police beef up security during a demonstration in Kibera slums, Nairobi, capital of Kenya, Oct. 26, 2017. National Super Alliance (NASA) supporters on Thursday barricaded roads with metals to stop entry of poll officials to various polling stations in Kibera during the repeat presidential election. (Xinhua/Nyalwash)
Elections Observation Group (ELOG) Chair of the Steering Committee Regina Opondo told journalists in Nairobi that the repeat presidential polls was an extraordinary election process that was characterized by boycotts from large swathes of the country and a general low turnout in other areas.
"Consequently, regardless of the outcome, it will be an uphill task bringing Kenyans to come together as one nation," Opondo said.
She said it was clear from other field reports that in many parts of the country there was very little activity in respect to opening and voting processes due to the election boycott by the main opposition coalition as well as insecurity.
According to the poll observers, the election exercise was characterized by tension, voter apathy and insecurity.
Meanwhile, at least one person was killed and several others injured in Nairobi on Friday evening as police battle rival criminals in a Nairobi residential estate.
A group of youth carrying weapons stormed Kawangware estate on Friday and started attacking people randomly.
Women cast their votes in Kenya's repeat presidential polls at a polling station in Nairobi, Kenya, Oct. 26, 2017. Voting in Kenya's repeat presidential polls began on Thursday as some polling stations, mainly in opposition strongholds, reported disruptions and low voter turnout. (Xinhua/Chen Cheng)
"The machete-welding youths are still unleashing terror on Kawangware residents. They invaded Muslims, Gatina and Congo areas with machetes and started attacking residents, looting and burning businesses," one of the resident told Xinhua.
He said the youth seemed to be on a revenge mission on certain communities who burnt one of the shops and supermarkets belonging to members of a different community.
"All vehicles are turning back. There is a multitude of people stranded in the area. One person was shot dead as police moved in to quell fighting between the two rival groups," he added.
Police said the retaliatory attacks ensued after some trader's shops were looted on Thursday. Area Officer Commanding Police Division Rashid Mohamed however said they have put a buffer zone to prevent both sides from attacking each other.
"Protesters looted shops and owners are now retaliating. It is serious but we are in control," he said. Rashid said no deaths had been reported but noted that may people sustained serious injuries.
