US Calls for Free, Fair and Peaceful Elections in Kenya

The United States says it does not have a preferred presidential candidate and will not take sides in the upcoming elections in Kenya.

The US, through her embassy in Nairobi, urged Kenya to ensure that the August 9th election is free, fair, and peaceful.

Chargé d’Affaires ad interim at the US Embassy in Nairobi Eric W. Kneedler called for the preservation of democracy and inclusion during and after the electioneering period.

“As a long-standing friend of the Kenyan people, the United States is committed to walking with Kenya on its democratic journey.  The next phase of this journey begins with free, fair, and peaceful elections,” Kneedler stated.

“The United States does not have preferred candidates or take sides, but we do have an abiding interest in supporting the democratic process and the constitutional right of all eligible Kenyans to vote.”

Kneedler noted that regardless of who Kenyans elect, the US is committed to finding ways to deepen strategic partnership with the Kenyan people across the board, including economic relationship for the mutual benefit of both countries.

There are fears that distractions related to the August elections could compromise Kenya’s pivotal role as a regional peace broker.

Kenya, a strategic ally of the US in the Horn of Africa, has been a key player in brokering peace in Ethiopia, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Deputy President William Ruto and ODM party leader Raila Odinga are the frontrunners in the race to succeed President Kenyatta, who has endorsed the latter.

Ruto, 55, is running on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party ticket while Odinga, 77, is vying under the Azimio La Umoja-One Kenya coalition party.