The United States on Friday expressed concern over the deteriorating political climate in Kenya ahead of the repeat presidential election scheduled for October 26, saying it did not support any candidate.
“The United States Government is deeply concerned by the deterioration in the political environment in Kenya in advance of the October 26, presidential election. We remain committed to supporting a free, fair, and credible election that is consistent with Kenya’s Constitution, current laws, and institutions, and we do not back any party or candidate,” a statement from the State Department said.
The statement said that both sides in the election campaigns have undermined the electoral body, adding that the U.S. was closely monitoring the electoral process and what politicians were saying and doing.
Kenyans are set to head back to the ballot on October 26 after the Supreme Court nullified the results of the August 8 presidential vote, ordering a repeat in 60 days.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) had declared President Uhuru Kenyatta winner of the vote with 54 percent.
In its ruling, the Supreme Court took issue with the transmission of the results.
The president said he accepted the ruling, but noted that he disagreed with it. In campaign rallies later, he took issue with the Supreme Court judges that ruled against his win, saying he would revisit it after the fresh election.
Opposition NASA coalition led by Raila Odinga however hailed the ruling, but have been demanding changes at the IEBC before the repeat poll.
The coalition has called for weekly protests to push for the reforms.
The U.S. State Department in its statement urged the leaders to reject violence.
“Kenyan leaders and citizens must reject violence and call on others to do the same. Security services should use the utmost restraint in handling demonstrations, and any response must be proportionate and appropriate,” it said.
Read full statement here; U.S. State Department statement on Kenya
