US acknowledge Ruto’s win, calls for peace and refrain from violence
The United States of America has welcomed the announcement of the presidential results by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Wafula Chebukati on Monday.
In its briefing on Wednesday, the US Department of State Spokesperson Ned Prince said it would continue strengthening its partnership with Kenya.
“The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission chair yesterday, of course, declared that William Ruto as the winner of the Kenyan Presidential Election,” Mr Price said.
“Going forward, we urge all parties to work together to peacefully resolve any remaining concerns about the election through the existing dispute resolution mechanisms. And we ask all political parties’ leaders to continue to urge their supporters to remain peaceful and to refrain from violence during the electoral process.”
Mr Prince added that the US embassy in Kenya has been in regular contact with the Kenyan government primarily to underscore that core message – that core message of calm and patience.
Read: Raila rejects presidential election results
“He spoke to him for two primary reasons: one was to provide him a debrief of the Secretary’s travel in South Africa, and the DRC and Rwanda as well; but also to underscore the importance of calm and patience as the electoral process continues within Kenya.”
Mr Prince said that the US government will continue to be in close touch with its partners in Kenyan as it hope to see that calm and patience prevail.
US President Joe Biden is yet to send his message of congratulation to the President-Elect William Ruto.
The results of the election have been disputed by Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya Coalition presidential candidate Raila Odinga who has said he will challenge it in court.
Mr Odinga termed announcement of the results as unconstitutionally since the seven commissioners had not approved the final stage of verification exercise.
Also read:
Presidential results declared are unconstitutional, four commissioners say
Chebukati officially gazettes William Ruto as President-Elect
Museveni phone calls President-elect Ruto to congratulate him