Religious leaders laud IEBC for 'smooth' voting process, call on candidates to accept defeat

Religious leaders have commended the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for overseeing a 'smooth' electoral process when Kenyans took to the ballot on Tuesday.

Despite ceding that there are some things that the electoral body could have done better in terms of addressing logistical and technical hitches at polling stations, the leaders led by Bishop John Oballa complimented IEBC for conducting the polls in line with its mandate to offer free, transparent and credible elections.

"Throughout the day we received, from more than 3,000 observers, reports spread across the country. These reports indicate that although there was some logistical and technological hitches polling progressed well in most of the stations," Oballa told journalists at the Bomas of Kenya on Tuesday night.

"We commend the IEBC for putting in place a structure to ensure efficiency in the process. We are however concerned that elections were suspended in some parts of the country; we urge voters and candidates in the affected areas to remain peaceful and patient as they await the opportunity to vote for their leaders."

Oballa likewise called on candidates, who fall short at the ballot, to accept the results of the polls without stirring up their supporters to take up arms in protest.

According to Oballa, should any politician dispute the election results they should seek legal redress instead of mobilising voters to take matters into their own hands.

"Constitutional democracy is premised on democratic elections which produce winners and losers. We therefore call upon all candidates, supporters and commentators to carefully consider their words and actions in response to the results announced," he said.

"We encourage both winners and losers to accept the will of the people. As provided for in law, any candidate dissatisfied with the results may seek legal redress. No one should incite Kenyans to engage in violence on account of the election results. Religious leaders and institutions remain available to provide pastoral care, support and counselling to all the candidates and supporters."

While commending Kenyans for turning up at the ballot in large numbers, Oballo urged them to act responsibly and to endeavour to preserve peace during this electioneering period.

"We commend the millions of Kenyans who took to the ballot. We have exercised our constitutional duty. Let us continue upholding peace in line with the prayer we make through our national anthem," said Oballa.