Diplomats from 13 Countries Urge Ruto and Raila to Resolve Differences Peacefully

Diplomats from 13 countries have urged Kenya's two leading presidential contenders, Deputy President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, to resolve their differences peacefully. The diplomats, who represent the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Finland, issued a joint statement on Tuesday calling on the two leaders to "refrain from any actions that could incite violence or undermine the electoral process."

The statement comes amid growing tensions in Kenya ahead of the August 9 general election. Ruto and Odinga are the two leading contenders in the race, and their supporters have clashed on several occasions in recent months. The diplomats' statement is a clear attempt to pressure the two leaders to tone down their rhetoric and to avoid any actions that could lead to violence.

The statement said that the diplomats "are deeply concerned about the rising tensions in Kenya ahead of the upcoming elections." They called on the two leaders to "refrain from any actions that could incite violence or undermine the electoral process." The statement also urged the two leaders to "work together to ensure that the elections are conducted peacefully and that the results are respected."

The diplomats' statement is a significant development in the run-up to the August 9 election. It shows that the international community is watching the situation closely and that they are concerned about the potential for violence. The statement is also a reminder to Ruto and Odinga that they have a responsibility to ensure that the elections are conducted peacefully.

Call to action:

• Kenyans: Contact your elected representatives and demand that they work to ensure that the elections are conducted peacefully.
• Ruto and Odinga: Refrain from any actions that could incite violence or undermine the electoral process.
• International community: Continue to monitor the situation in Kenya and to press the two leaders to work together to ensure a peaceful election.

The upcoming elections are a critical moment for Kenya. The country has a long history of electoral violence, and it is important that the elections are conducted peacefully. The diplomats' statement is a reminder that the international community is watching the situation closely, and that they will hold the two leaders accountable if there is violence.