US, Germany, Tanzania adopt cautious acknowledgment of Kenya’s president-elect
The United States of America (USA), Germany and Tanzania have adopted a cautious acknowledgment of Kenya’s president-elect William Ruto’s announcement by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) yesterday.
The U.S Embassy issued a statement urging political party leaders to continue imploring upon their supporters to remain peaceful.
“We urge all parties to work together to peacefully resolve any remaining concerns about this election through existing dispute resolution mechanisms,” the statement read in part.
Acknowledging that the IEBC under the leadership of Chairman Wafula Chebukati had declared Ruto the winner of the presidential race, the US Embassy called for peaceful means to thrush out the remaining issues.
“We now urge all parties and political leaders to unite the country and to work together to peacefully resolve all remaining issues through the existing legal procedures,” they stated.
The German Embassy in Nairobi via their official Twitter account stated it was important ‘to remain peaceful and to refrain from violence’.
Similarly, Tanzania president Her Excellency Samia Suluhu also took to social media to commend Kenyans for maintaining peace throughout he whole process.
“I congratulate the people of Kenya on their peaceful General Election and the subsequent announcement of William Ruto as President-elect. We look forward to continue working together with our brothers and sisters in Kenya to strengthen our historically close ties. Tuko pamoja,” she said.
Other countries sent congratulatory messages to Ruto as president-elect.
Ugandan president Yoweri Museveni congratulated Ruto, while at the same time assuring him of Uganda’s support in advancing regional and continental agenda through multilateral platforms.
“On behalf of all Ugandans, I congratulate Your Excellency William Ruto upon your election as the 5th President of the Republic of Kenya. Further to my telephone call last night upon your victory, I wish to reassure you of Uganda’s commitment to continue partnering with Kenya in advancing regional and continental agenda through the East African Community, African Union and other multilateral platforms,” Museveni said.
President of Nigeria Muhammadu Buhari has also congratulated Ruto and wished him a successful inauguration and tenure in office.
“I congratulate the President-elect of Kenya, William Ruto, on his victory in the August 9, 2022 General Election. I wish him a successful inauguration and tenure in office, while also looking forward to more fruitful and robust engagements between Nigeria and Kenya,” he said.
He noted that Nigeria values Kenya as a strategic partner in the fight against terrorism and violence extremism.
“Between us lies a long history of friendship, economic and trade ties, and effective collaboration through various international organisations,” said the president.
He also saluted President Uhuru Kenyatta for his statesmanship and exemplary leadership.
“Let me also salute President Uhuru Kenyatta for his statesmanship and exemplary leadership to the people of Kenya, and the profound legacies of his administration in infrastructure, education, healthcare reforms and tourism, as well as his strong influence and support on regional security,” he noted.
On Monday, IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati declared Ruto as the president-elect.
According to disputed presidential results declared by Chebukati and disowned by four commissioners, Ruto garnered 7,176,141 votes representing 50.49 per cent of the total vote, while his rival, Raila Odinga garnered 6,942,930, which was 48.85 per cent of the vote.
