The United States of America has formally congratulated President Uhuru Kenyatta for his re-election for a second term.
A message posted on the country’s website reads:
“The United States congratulates the people of Kenya on the conclusion of the presidential election process, as well as President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto on their inauguration for a second term. The United States and Kenya have been steadfast partners for decades, working together to strengthen security, build mutual prosperity, address regional challenges, and to advance development and good governance.
Even as we look forward to strengthening and renewing the bilateral partnership in the years ahead, we are deeply concerned by the ongoing political tensions in Kenya. We urge security forces to refrain from the use of unnecessary force against citizens exercising their democratic rights.
As part of the process of addressing these tensions and strengthening institutions, we urge Kenyans to join together to hold an immediate, sustained, and open national conversation to heal divisions between communities. We encourage all Kenyans to come together at this critical moment and to work together peacefully and uphold the constitution.
As friends, we will continue to work with all Kenyans committed to building democracy, advancing prosperity, and strengthening security”
The message means that USA recognizes the legitimacy of Uhuru Kenya and his government, which outs to the end Raila’s hopes.
