Pope Francis: I am paying close attention in these days to Kenya

Pope Francis on Sunday, October 22, prayed for Kenya urging political players to engage in dialogue and break the election stalemate for the sake of peace.During prayers at the St.Peter’s Square in Vatican City, Pope Francis told the gathered pilgrims to pray for peace in the world and more specifically Kenya."I ask you to join my prayer for peace in the world. I am paying close attention in these days to Kenya, which I visited in 2015, and for which I pray, that the whole country might be able to face the current difficulties in a climate of constructive dialogue, having at heart the search for the common good,” Pope Francis told pilgrims and tourists during the Angelus prayer on Sunday.Raila withdrew from the election, saying the outcome had already been predetermined and that President Uhuru and his Jubilee Party had already printed election material that would be used to staff ballot boxes on Election Day.

Kenyans will return to the polls again on Thursday, October 26, but Odinga has said he will not participate this time.

On Friday, October 20, both Kenyatta and Odinga made calls for election peace, while making veiled digs at each other on Kenya's annual Heroes Day.