Secretary-General Hails Peaceful Presidential Elections in Kenya, Stresses Need for Dialogue to Defuse Tensions Over Disputed Results

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:

The Secretary-General congratulates the people of Kenya for their peaceful participation in the presidential election.

The Secretary-General takes note of the results of the presidential election in Kenya, and of the announcement by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) of His Excellency Uhuru Kenyatta as President-elect.  He calls on those political leaders disputing the election results to address election-related disputes through the relevant constitutionally mandated institutions.

The Secretary-General calls on the political leaders to send clear messages to their supporters urging them to refrain from violence.  The Secretary-General also stresses the importance of dialogue to defuse tensions.

The United Nations, in close collaboration with the African Union and other multilateral and bilateral partners, is fully engaged with Kenya’s political leadership and relevant stakeholders to facilitate the successful conclusion of the electoral process.