On Monday, the African Union (AU) disclosed the deployment of its pre-election assessment mission to Kenya to observe preparations for the country’s upcoming elections.

The deployment was authorised by the chairperson of the AU Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat.

The deployment of the mission to Kenya from May 16 to 20 followed an invitation from the government of the East African country to observe the forthcoming general elections scheduled for August 9 this year.

The AU said its mission was deployed jointly with members of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the East African Community (EAC).

“The team will engage in consultations and dialogue with key political and electoral stakeholders in Kenya to promote peaceful, credible and inclusive elections,” it added.

The East African nation will go to the polls on August 9 to elect a new president, national lawmakers, and the governors and assemblies of its 47 counties.

The August election is set to be contested between major coalitions.

In March, Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta reiterated his call to Kenyans to embrace peace and live together in harmony as the country gears toward the August 9 general elections.

Mr Kenyatta, who is due to retire after completing his two-term in office, emphasised that the forthcoming elections should not divide Kenyans. 

(Xinhua/NAN)