NAIROBI, Oct. 30 (Xinhua) -- The United States on Monday called for an all-inclusive dialogue to help resolve deep political crisis in Kenya following a disputed repeat presidential elections held last week.
U.S. Ambassador to Kenya Robert Godec said it is worrying to see violence and use of extreme force by security forces especially in opposition strongholds after repeat poll which was boycotted by opposition leader Raila Odinga.
"We appeal for calm in the coming days. We call on all Kenyans to come together at this critical moment to reject the politics of hatred and division," Godec said in a statement issued in Nairobi.
"We again urge there will be an immediate, sustained, open, and transparent national dialogue involving all Kenyans to resolve the deep divisions that the electoral process has exacerbated," said the envoy.
Godec said security services have a special responsibility to show maximum restraint in the use of force, and should use it only when there is no other choice to protect life and property.
"We are deeply concerned by reports of excessive use of force by the police; we urge that all such allegations be fully investigated and any officers who have acted outside the law be held to account. Protesters who are exercising their constitutional rights have an obligation to do so peacefully," he said.
The statement comes amid complains from Kenyans including human rights group that heavily armed police are using excessive force against protesters and bystanders in the Western counties of Kisumu, Homabay, Migori and Siaya in what appears to be a deliberate campaign to punish inhabitants for continuing to protest amid chaotic elections over the past week.
At least six people have lost their lives in electoral offenses across the country in the past week following clashes between the police and the youth in opposition areas who attempted to prevent polls opening by blockading polling stations or intimidating voters.
Godec called on leaders and politicians to publicly reject violence and work to keep the peace, and make every effort to ensure their supporters do so as well.
"In this regard, we welcome the work being done by some governors, religious leaders, civil society representatives, the Kenya Red Cross, and others to help keep the peace and assist those affected by the violence," he said.
Kenyans voted on Oct. 26 repeat presidential polls after the Supreme Court nullified the Aug. 8 presidential elections citing irregularities and illegalities.
The voting exercise was largely peaceful in most parts of the country save for sporadic riots in the opposition strongholds where it was boycotted.
