Uhuru makes first public appearance since Ruto election win – VIDEO
President Uhuru Kenyatta has made his first public appearance since the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairman Wafula Chebukati announced William Ruto as the President-elect.
Three days after that announcement, the retiring President met diplomats from the United States led by Delaware Senator Chris Coons.
The team arrived in the country on the day of the meeting and is also scheduled to meet Ruto and Azimio presidential candidate Raila Odinga, who lost in the election.
Dressed in a blue shirt and matching trousers, The official State House Twitter handle shows President Kenyatta chatting heartily with his guests at his official residence in Nairobi.
President Kenyatta assured them that Kenya will remain steadfast in entrenching the principles of good governance to ensure the country upholds its position as a shining example of democracy in the continent by maintaining peace during this transition period.
“My greatest desire is that peace will prevail and we may set an example in the continent and the world,” the President said.
Senator Coons, who is leading a congressional delegation and House Representatives, commended the President for the peace that the country has continued to experience after the election.
President Kenyatta was joined at the meeting by Cabinet Secretaries Raychelle Omamo (Foreign Affairs) Betty Maina (Trade) and US Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman among others.
The US team also met with President-elect William Ruto at his official residence in Nairobi before engaging Odinga.
The US embassy said the US team shared the democratic values of both countries.
According to the IEBC figures, Ruto garnered 7.1 million votes, representing 50.5 percent of the total votes cast, while Mr Odinga came second with 6.9 million votes, translating to 48.8 percent.
Mr Odinga rejected the outcome of the election and has hinted at legal redress.