The African Union has issued a strong message to the country’s top leadership following the political impasse currently being experienced in the country.

AU Commission Chairman Mr Moussa Faki Mahamat said he was closely following the situation in Kenya, including the decision by the National Super Alliance (Nasa) presidential candidate to withdraw from the October 26 repeat presidential poll.

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“I call upon all stakeholders in Kenya’s electoral process to exercise leadership during this crucial period of Kenya’s democracy,” Mahamat said in a statement.

He added that the AU was ready to take any appropriate initiative to facilitate peaceful conclusion of the electoral process.

He confirmed that the AU had deployed an observer mission in Kenya since September to support the electoral process and assist towards its peaceful and successful conclusion.

Odinga on Tuesday officially announced his withdrawal from the October 26 repeat presidential elections citing IEBC's failure to meet its "irreducible minimums" as the main reason for his withdrawal.

However, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) said on Wednesday that Odinga had not officially withdraw from the presidential race.

In a letter to the Coalition, IEBC chairman Mr Wafula Chebukati confirmed receipt of the letter of the Mr Odinga and his running mate Mr Kalonzo Musyoka of the intention to quit the race, but failed to fill a special form 24A which would have legally made them withdraw.

High Court judge Mr John Mativo on Wednesday ruled that all the eight presidential candidates who faced off the bungled August 8 presidential elections have the right to be on the ballot in the repeat polls slated for October 26.