On behalf of the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and on my own behalf, I convey to H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, President of the Republic of Kenya, warm congratulations following his re-election, upheld earlier today by the Supreme Court of Kenya.
The ruling of the Supreme Court marks the end of a remarkable process that tested the unity of the Kenyan people and the democratic credentials of the country and its institutions. The peaceful conduct of the repeat elections and the independent adjudication of the petitions challenging the outcome of the Presidential Elections at the Supreme Court are therefore testaments to the maturity of the country’s democratic institutions and the consolidation of peace. In this regard, we also congratulate the people of Kenya and Independent Institutions of the country for passing the democratic test.
Throughout the electioneering period, the Kenyan people have, once again, shown the world their determination for strict adherence to the rule of law and due constitutional process. I therefore urge all Kenyans to continue in this spirit and peacefully accept the decision of the Court as final. Now is the time for Kenyans to come together, in the spirit of national cohesion, and continue with the task of building their nation.
Kenya is an important member of the IGAD sub-region and indeed the continent. As H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta embarks on his second term in office, I wish to reaffirm my commitment to continuing the fruitful collaboration and interaction between Kenya and IGAD, particularly in advancing peace and security in the sub-region.
Issued by H.E. Amb (Eng) Mahboub Maalim CBS, OGW
Executive Secretary of IGAD on the 20th day of November 2017, Djibouti, Djibouti
