The Chairperson of the Commonwealth Election observation group Festus Mogae has stepped down five days to the August 9, General Election.

In a statement released on Wednesday, August 3, the Commonwealth Secretariat’s communication team announced that the former Botswanan President had withdrawn from the group. The team cited unavoidable circumstances that were not disclosed. 

He will be replaced by former Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding, who will lead the 20-member team.

The team arrived in the country at the invitation of the Commonwealth Secretary-General, Patricia Scotland and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

Mogae served as Botswana’s president between 1998 and 2008 and has since his retirement led a number of election observer teams including the 2015 Lesotho election where he worked alongside Azimio presidential candidate Raila Odinga. 

Golding, who has already touched down in the country, reiterated the Commonwealth’s commitment and support for Kenya and the rights of the citizenry.

“We know how important elections are in a democracy. We, therefore, hope our presence in Kenya serves as a reminder that the people of the Commonwealth stand together with Kenyans as they exercise their democratic rights,” he remarked.