Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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I wish to commend the people of Kenya who on 8 August turned out in great numbers to vote in their presidential, parliamentary and county level elections. On 11 August, the incumbent, Uhuru Kenyatta of the Jubilee coalition, was declared winner of the Presidential election, defeating Raila Odinga, leader of the National Super Alliance (NASA) opposition coalition, and other candidates.

Two Irish observers participated as election observers through the EU Election Observation Mission. The general consensus of international observers was that while the elections were a broadly positive exercise in democracy there were a number of shortcomings in the electoral process, including with the implementation of election technology.

The outcome of the election was subsequently disputed by the opposition. Some sporadic violence occurred, resulting in the deaths of a reported 24 people. The decision of the opposition to bring a petition to the Kenyan Supreme Court calmed the situation. On 1 September, the Supreme Court declared the Presidential result invalid, citing issues with the conduct of the election, and called for a fresh Presidential election. That new election is scheduled to be held on 17 October.

Ireland acknowledges the work of the Supreme Court in analysing the electoral process. The judgment underlines the institutional strength and independence of the Supreme Court and the robust nature of Kenyan democracy. The full judgment will be published in the coming weeks.

The EU has called on political leaders in the country to use their authority to promote peace and calm on all sides, and to ensure adherence to the fundamental democratic principles of transparency and rule of law. The EU Election Observation Mission will stay in the country until the completion of the electoral process.

Kenya is an important partner of Ireland in Africa, with whom we have strong trade, development and cultural links. Together with our EU partners, we will continue to promote a transparent, credible, inclusive and peaceful election re-run in the country and will continue to actively monitor developments in the lead up to the re-run of the election, including through the work of the Embassy of Ireland in Nairobi.