To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the likelihood of the unrest in Kenya developing into civil war; and if he will make a statement. (181750)

The Government fully condemn all acts of violence in Kenya. While there is widespread tension across Kenya, outbreaks of violence have, for the most part, been limited to parts of Western, Nyanza, and Rift Valley provinces, informal settlements in Nairobi and parts of Mombasa Town. It is important that all Kenya’s leaders come together in a process of dialogue to agree a way forward that respects the democratic will of the Kenyan people and restores Kenya to peace, stability and prosperity.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has made an assessment of the merits of establishing an international sanctions regime against the government of Kenya in response to recent civil unrest within Kenya; and if he will make a statement. (181752)

The Government are deeply concerned about the post-election crisis in Kenya. This is why we are fully supporting the African Union initiative to facilitate talks between the political parties. The current focus is on restoring stability through political agreement. The international community has not ruled out any options in seeking to help return Kenya to the path of peace, stability and prosperity.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment his Department has made of (a) whether the recent elections in Kenya were fair and free and (b) reported irregularities during the period of the election; and if he will make a statement. (181751)

We share the concerns raised by the East Africa Community, Commonwealth election observation reports and the EU preliminary statement about alleged irregularities in the conduct of the Kenyan elections, specifically in the tallying process. These irregularities need to be investigated.