Kenya on a knife edge ahead of October election re-run
President Kenyatta opens parliament warning against divisive and destructive politics, while the opposition boycotts the event and wants election officials to resign
Nairobi — Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta opened parliament on Tuesday by warning against divisive and destructive politics, while opposition lawmakers boycotted the legislature and rallied to demand the resignation of election officials. Kenya held parliamentary, presidential and local elections on August 8, but the supreme court nullified the presidential results three weeks later, citing irregularities in the tallying process. New elections are scheduled for October 17. While calling for unity and respect for the constitution, Kenyatta delivered a thinly veiled warning to the opposition lawmakers who had chosen to stay away from parliament. "My government will not tolerate anyone intent on disrupting our hard-won peace and stability. Under no circumstances must Kenyans ever allow our free competitive processes to become a threat to the peace and security of our nation," he said, to foot-stamping and cheering from ruling party legislators. "We shall continue to encourage vibrant d...
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