The British Ambassador to Kenya, Jane Mariott, has refuted claims that she and the United Kingdom are backing specific individuals and political parties in the country’s elections.
Through her Twitter handle, the UK ambassador emphasised that the UK has maintained its neutrality in Kenyan political affairs and that the outcome of the currently disputed presidential election results is completely accepted.
“There has been a lot of misinformation circulating in the last few days about the UK & myself with regards to Kenya’s elections. For the avoidance of doubt, I want to categorically reiterate that the UK does not support or have a view on any candidates or parties in elections. Who Kenyans elect is a matter for the people of Kenya,” Mariott tweeted.
Marriott stated that they interact with people from all walks of life to convey the UK’s programs and collaboration with Kenya, including independent institutions.
She also noted that Kenya will continue to be an important partner for the UK under their strategic partnership.
“We meet people from across the political spectrum to explain the UK’s programmes and partnership with Kenya, including independent institutions. Kenya will remain a vital partner for the UK through our Strategic Partnership,” she said.
However, nine Embassies and High Commissions failed to acknowledge William Ruto as the president-elect in a joint communiqué.
They include Australia, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
Through a joint statement, the nine urged all political parties and political leaders to follow all laid out mechanisms for dispute resolution in accordance with Kenya’s Constitution.
“We encourage all political parties and leaders to follow all existing mechanisms for dispute resolution as laid out by the Constitution,” the statement read in part.
Further, they lauded Kenyans, police, and non-state actors for setting an example to the region and the continent as a whole.