US Secretary of State John Kerry Phones Kibaki, Urges Fair Poll

US Secretary of State John Kerry Phones Kibaki, Urges Fair Poll

The United States Secretary of State John Kerry has called for credible Kenya elections. Mr Kerry urged Kenyans to conduct a free and fair poll devoid of violence. His message was conveyed to Kenyans during a phone call to President Kibaki.

"Spoke with President Kibaki – echoed POTUS msg: Now is time for Kenya come together, free, fair, credible election w/no violence –JK," the US State Department said on twitter.

Mr Kerry is the latest high-ranking US official to comment on the Kenya elections slated for March 4, 2013.

Three weeks ago, President Barack Obama said the US will not take sides in the elections and will support the outcome of a free and fair vote.

"The choice of who will lead Kenya is up to the Kenyan people. The United States does not endorse any candidate for office, but we do support an election that is peaceful and reflects the will of the people," said President Obama in a video message.

President Obama urged dissatisfied politicians to resolve disputes arising from the elections through the courts rather than on the streets.

“Kenya must reject intimidation and violence, and allow a free and fair vote. Kenyans must resolve disputes in the courts, not in the streets,” he said.

While not speaking directly on how the US would interpret the choice Kenyans make on March 4, the US President said if the elections were credible, “you will continue to have a strong friend and partner in the United States of America".

“Above all, the people of Kenya must come together, before and after the election, to carry on the work of building your country,” he said.

Days later, Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Johnnie Carson said while the duty of electing Kenyan leaders rests with its people "choices have consequences".

One of Kenya's leading presidential candidate Uhuru Kenyatta and his running mate William Ruto are facing crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court (ICC).

"People should be thoughtful about those they choose to be leaders, the impact their choices would have on their country, region or global community," said Dr Carson.

"Individuals have histories, individuals have images, individuals have reputations. When they are selected to lead their nations, those images, histories and reputations go along with them."

- Daily Nation