Ottawa, Canada - The Canadian Coalition for Democracies (CCD) and members of the Kenyan-Canadian community applaud Foreign Affairs Minister Maxime Bernier and International Cooperation Minister Bev Oda for their initiative during the post-election crisis in Kenya, and commend the Government for its initial offer of financial assistance to the people. 

"We are thankful for Canada's contribution of $1 million to the Kenyan Red Cross," said Tegi Obanda, International Coordinator of the Coalition for Constitutional Reforms Kenya (CCR-K). "It is a good start, but more must be done."

"Canadians and Kenyans have so many Commonwealth and other longstanding ties," said former Secretary of State for Africa, David Kilgour. "We and our government should stand with Kenya's people in their time of trial just as we did with Ukrainians after their flawed presidential election in 2004."

On behalf of all Canadians, and most notably members of the Kenyan-Canadian community, we call on the Government of Canada, as a member of the Commonwealth, to:

i) reject the December 27 election results for the presidency because, while the casting of ballots was done in an orderly and peaceful manner, the counting of  ballots and transmission of results appears to have failed to meet minimum standards of fairness, accountability and transparency;

ii) call for an interim national unity government in Kenya comprised of all elected politicla parties to establish and adopt a democractic citizen-driven constitution within one year;

iii) support the holding of a new presidential election to be observed by the international community (including Canada) following the adoption of a new democratic constitution;

iv) offer the assistance of Elections Canada to provide technical advice and support for new elections;

v) support the activiation of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAHGG) to assist in restoring stability and democracy in Kenya; and,

vi) increase humanitarian assistance for the construction of numerous homes and shelters lost as a result of the post-election violence.

According to Obanda, "The root cause of the problem is the lack of a democratic constitution. Without a new constitution, Kenya is heading towards being another failed state in Africa."  

"At this time, Kenyans are looking to Canada as a good friend for help and support," said Naresh Raghubeer, Executive Director, CCD. "Canada must not let them down."

For more information, please contact
Naresh Raghubeer, Executive Director, CCD
(613) 216-2095
Tegi Obanda, International Coordinator, CCR-K
(613) 316-5501

Hon David Kilgour, former MP and Secretary of State for Africa
(613) 747-7854