Government Laughs Off Claims of 'Begging' for Congratulatory Messages for President Uhuru

The government has rubbished claims that its envoys were soliciting for congratulatory messages from foreign countries for President Uhuru following Monday's Supreme Court decision that upheld his re-election.

British newspaper Financial Times had on Tuesday reported that Kenyan envoys were 'begging' foreign countries to send messages applauding President Uhuru following the verdict by the apex court.

“Following the Supreme Court of Kenya ruling early today and which has upheld the victory of President Kenyatta, I am kindly requesting your indulgence in preparing and dispatching a suitable congratulations message. I am at hand for any quick consultations,” the Times quoted Kenyan Ambassador to Brussels Johnson Weru as saying in the e-mail sent to senior foreign ministry officials.

However, speaking to the media on Thursday, government spokesperson Eric Kiraithe laughed off the allegations, noting that President Uhuru was "not suffering from inferiority complex" to warrant soliciting of congratulatory messages.

“There is no reason whatsoever for the government to solicit for congratulatory messages. Even if nobody congratulates then it is immaterial."

“The government of Kenya has no such inferiority complex that makes it want go soliciting for congratulation messages,” said Kiraithe.

Kiraithe further noted that over 20 heads of states have personally sent their messages to President Uhuru applauding him on his re-election. On Tuesday, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Monica Juma said that countries that have sent their messages have done so on their own conviction.

“From where we sit, the Supreme Court win is a reaffirmation of President Kenyatta’s August 8th win. Generally, everybody is commending the country for following the course of the rule of law. That is the general reaction. Actually, many of them (countries) are saying: Let’s move on,” she said.