Elections in Kenya

Statement attributable to Heather Nauert, Department Spokesperson:

As a longstanding friend of Kenya, the United States applauds the millions of Kenyans who on August 8 peacefully exercised their fundamental democratic right to choose their leaders. We welcome the statements made by international and domestic missions observing the Kenyan elections, which have contributed to transparency, integrity, and public confidence in the electoral process. Our Mission in Nairobi also fielded observers, and we were impressed by Kenyans’ commitment to ensuring their voices are heard through the ballot box.

We urge all parties and their supporters to peacefully and patiently await the IEBC's (Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission) announcement of official results. The IEBC should be given an opportunity to complete its tallying. We also encourage the IEBC to continue communicating openly with the Kenyan public, and we welcome the IEBC’s commitment to fully investigate any allegations of fraud, with the engagement of all election stakeholders.

If candidates dispute results, it is important that they do so in accordance with the constitution and rule of law and not through threats or acts of violence. We stand with Kenyans across the political spectrum who are working together to advance democracy, build prosperity, and strengthen security in their great country.

Distributed by APO on behalf of U.S. Department of State.