In response to the violence that has erupted in Kenya, SWA is calling for an international inquiry to determine the validity of the highly contested presidential elections. SWA is also urging the government of Kenya to take stronger measures to provide humanitarian assistance to displaced Kenyans and prevent further violence, including violence committed by security forces against protesters.
According to SWA founder, Paul Raynault, "An international inquiry is necessary to restore the faith of the Kenyan people in their government. The international community can not turn a blind eye on election rigging or illegitimate results; the Kenyan people have the right to chose their President in a fair, peaceful, and democratic process."
On December 30, the Electoral Commission announced that President Mwai Kibaki, leader of the Party of National Unity, had beaten opposition leader Raila Odinga of the Orange Democratic Movement. Immediately, suspicion of fraudulent tallying surrounded the election results. In the violence that has erupted throughout the country, over 300 people have died and over 180,000 people have been displaced, many fleeing to neighboring countries.
SWA is encouraging all of its members to engage in peaceful demonstrations in an effort to show solidarity with the people of Kenya and to demand fair election results.
