The US Embassy in Nairobi has refuted releasing a statement claiming that US President Joe Biden congratulated Azimio La Umoja flagbearer, Raila Odinga, for being elected as the 5th President of Kenya.
Further, the statement alleged that he commended Kenyans for holding a peaceful election that was conducted in a transparent manner.
Biden was also said to have congratulated the Independent Elections and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for holding a free and fair election.
The Embassy flagged down the report asking Kenyans and other election stakeholders to treat it with contempt.
An undated image of the entrance to the US Embassy in Gigiri, Nairobi.
Capital Group
Meanwhile, on Saturday, August 13, US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, met President Uhuru Kenyatta where they discussed Kenya’s election among other agendas.
“Discussed with President Uhuru Kenyatta my recent trip to Africa and the importance of Kenya’s elections as a model for the continent.
“We encourage peace and patience as the vote tallying continues from the August 9 elections,” Secretary Antony Blinken’s statement read.
Blinken appreciated Uhuru’s continued efforts to advance regional peace and security.
Uhuru is expected to hand over power to the next administration after his second term expires.
IEBC is set to announce the winner of the August 9 General Election, but its chairperson, Wafula Chebukati, is running against time with only one day out of the seven accorded by the Constitution remains.
Chebukati, however, called upon Kenyans to maintain peace and urged presidential agents to refrain from pressurising the Commission to expedite tallying of votes at Bomas of Kenya.
He, nonetheless, changed the submission of Forms 34A and 34B at the national tallying centre. Rather than submitting the forms to various departments for verification, the returning officers would first verify them with him.
Presidential candidates, Raila Odinga of the Azimio La Umoja, Deputy President William Ruto of the United Democratic Alliance, Roots Party’s George Wajackoyah and Agano Party’s Waihiga Mwaure are all in line to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta.
IEBC Chairperson Wafula Chebukati at the National Tallying Centre in Bomas of Kenya on Friday, August 12, 2022.
Kenyans.co.ke
Discussion about this post