06 January 2008

The international development charity ActionAid has called on Kenya’s political leaders to end the post-election bloodshed and work together for peace.

Roger Yates, ActionAid’s head of emergencies and acting country director in Kenya, said: "Kenyan people have lost faith in the democratic process, and across the country, it is poor people who are suffering the worst of the resulting violence.

"This bloodshed must end now. There is no cause whatsoever that can justify the shedding of innocent blood and wanton destruction of property."

To help end the crisis created by suspicion of election irregularities, ActionAid is calling for:

• Both sides of the political divide to put aside their differences in the interest of the public, and work together to prevent further bloodshed and restore peace in the country.
• Use all means possible to restore confidence in the democratic processes and institutions.
• The government and security forces to move with speed to ensure that displaced people and those at risk are safe and have access to humanitarian assistance.
• Political parties, their supporters and the government to respect the role of humanitarian organisations and allow them space to provide assistance to affected people.

ActionAid is currently working with other agencies to respond to immediate needs of displaced people in Mombasa and Nairobi, while supporting peace initiatives.