Kenya: US appeals for ‘calm’ – Episodes after disputed presidential election results

by

“We urge all parties to work together, peacefully, to resolve the remaining issues” through “existing mechanisms,” State Department spokesman Ned Price said.

US diplomacy appealed on Tuesday for “calm and patience” in Kenya, the day after the results of the presidential election were announced, in which the authorities said William Ruto was the winner, something disputed by his rival Raila Odinga.

“We urge all parties to work together, peacefully, to resolve the remaining issues” through “existing mechanisms,” State Department spokesman Ned Price said.

He also urged, during a press conference, “leaders of all political parties to continue to call on their followers not to resort to violence.”

Six days after the August 9 election, outgoing Deputy President William Ruto emerged victorious with 50.49% of the vote, compared to Raila Odinga’s 48.85%, the Electoral Commission announced on Monday, but its members are divided. from are divided.

Mr Ruto, seen by many as an outsider in this election, on Monday became Kenya’s fifth elected president since the country gained independence in 1963.

However, his rival Raila Odinga yesterday dismissed the announced results as a “travesty” and stressed that he will use all legal means at his disposal to challenge them.

The announcement of the results of the presidential election on Monday evening triggered demonstrations and violent incidents, located in strongholds of Mr. Odinga, in popular districts in Nairobi and Kisumu (west), however, order was restored yesterday.

Ned Price said US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, who is returning from a trip to Africa, spoke on Sunday with outgoing President Uhuru Kenyatta and appealed for “calm and patience” during the election process.

RES-EMP

You May Also Like

Recommended for you