Rights activists marched through the streets of Nairobi to protest against the murder of election commission official Christopher Msando just days ahead of the polls. Dozens of Kenyans came together on Tuesday to protest the murder of Christopher Msando, a top election official who was tasked with overseeing the country’s crucial electronic voting system. He was found dead with signs of torture in a forest on the outskirts of Nairobi over the weekend. “We want to ensure that all Kenyans will be able to feel they are secure. Come election day, Kenyans have to be confident when they are going out there to cast their ballot,” said one protester in Nairobi. “As a democratic nation we want to ensure that everyone exercises their civic duty to go out there and vote,” she added. “The foul murder of Chris Msando is politically instigated,” said another protester marching along the streets of Nairobi.
While reading a joint statement on behalf of the organizers, George Kegora, executive director of the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) pointed out many Kenyans believe “elements within or close to the state” were responsible for Msando’s murder.
Kegora called on security officers to expedite investigations to arrest the people responsible for his murder.
“We are mourning with the family, we are mourning with the IEBC [election commission] family,” said Msando’s boss, Wafula Chebukati, at the rally.
Full Article: Kenyans demand justice for murdered election official | Africa | DW | 01.08.2017.