African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson Faki Mahamat has expressed his “deep concern over violence” in Kenya and called for all sides to exercise calm.
The protest started on March 21 against high food prices, resulting in loss of life, damage to property, and the interruption of economic activities in Nairobi.
The government has condemned the violence and disruption caused by the demonstration held despite a ban.
In a statement Tuesday, AUC Chairperson Mahamat has urged all sides “to exercise calm and engage in a dialogue to address any differences that may exist in the supreme interest of national unity and reconciliation.”
The Chairperson recalled “the successful conduct of General Elections in August 2022 in Kenya and the subsequent unanimous confirmation of the election outcome by the Supreme Court.”
Mahamat “reiterates the total solidarity with and support to the Government and the People of Kenya’s efforts working towards national unity, peace and stability in the country.”
Religious leaders have also called for unconditional talks between President William Ruto and Opposition leader Raila Odinga.
Odinga, who lost to Ruto in last August’s election, is accused of seeking to channel frustrations about stubborn inflation into a durable movement against the president.
MG/abj/APA