UK High Commissioner Jane Marriott has come out to defend the United Kingdom against a barrage of accusations online that it was taking sides in the Kenyan presidential election.
In a series of posts on social media on Monday, Marriott distanced herself and London from claims that UK preferred a particular candidate in the contested August 9 General Election.
“There has been a lot of misinformation circulating in the last few days about the UK & myself with regards to ????????’s elections,” Marriott said in a tweet.
She went on, ”For the avoidance of doubt, I want to categorically reiterate that the ???????? does not support or have a view on any candidates or parties in elections.”
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The High Commissioner was part of foreign dignitaries who were at Bomas on August 15 but left hours before IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati declared William Ruto President-Elect.
Marriott clarified that whoever Kenyans elect as their next president is their own decision.
“Who Kenyans elect is a matter for the people of Kenya. We meet people from across the political spectrum to explain the UK’s programmes and partnership with Kenya, including independent institutions,” she said.
She threw her weight behind a joint statement that was issued by various envoys as part of the international community lauding the Kenyan electoral process conducted on August 9.
Marriott has come under attack following the declaration of the presidential results with those leaning to the Azimio La Umoja side accusing her of favouring UDA's William Ruto.
“The international community put out a statement on the process which I fully support. Kenya will remain a vital partner for the UK through our Strategic Partnership,” Marriott concluded.
This also comes as Azimio La Umoja coalition flagbearer Raila Odinga filed a petition at the Supreme Court challenging IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati's decision to declare Deputy President William Ruto as the President-Elect, terming the electoral process fraudulent.
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