US Gov't Commits to Ensuring Free and Fair Elections in Kenya

The United States government has assured Kenya of its support in ensuring that the August 9th general elections are free, fair, and peaceful.

On Thursday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken commended the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for successfully overseeing the process of vetting and clearing candidates seeking various seats in the upcoming elections.

"We welcome IEBC's certification of candidates for Kenya’s August 9 general election and the beginning of the electoral campaign. As I said to Kenyan Cabinet Secretary Omamo last month, the United States stands with Kenyans in support of free, fair, and peaceful elections," Blinken said in a Twitter post.

The window of clearing aspirants concluded on Tuesday, with only four presidential candidates getting the electoral commission’s green light to run for the presidency.

They include Azimio La Umoja-One Kenya coalition party flagbearer Raila Odinga, Deputy President William Ruto of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party, Prof. George Wajackoyah of Roots Party, and Agano Party’s David Mwaure.