US Senator Arrives In Kenya To Meet Uhuru, Raila, Ruto

United States (US) Senator from Delaware, Chris Coons, led a delegation that arrived in Kenya on Thursday, August 18 ahead of a scheduled high-level meeting with outgoing president Uhuru Kenyatta, president-elect William Ruto and Azimio leader Raila Odinga.

This is according to a statement from US Ambassador to Kenya, Meg Whitman, who welcomed Coons at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi.

The delegation will also meet with leaders from NGOs, conservationists and health providers.

"The Senator Chris Coons-led delegation will meet with conservationists, health providers, and organizations working to empower girls.

The delegation is also scheduled to meet with President Kenyatta, William Ruto and Raila Odinga to discuss shared goals- health, security, and economic prosperity," Whitman noted.

According to the US Ambassador, the delegation is on a five-country Africa visit after tours in South Africa, DR Congo and South Africa. 

The visit comes after the US Embassy in Nairobi congratulated the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for the manner in which the August 9, 2022, general elections were held.

They also commended the active participation of Kenya's political parties, civil society and citizens in shaping robust discussions throughout the campaign period.

They termed the election of William Ruto as president as an important milestone in the electoral process.

"Going forward, we urge all parties to work together to peacefully resolve any remaining concerns about this election through existing dispute resolution mechanisms.  

"We ask all political party leaders to continue to urge their supporters to remain peaceful and refrain from violence during the electoral process. 

"The United States and Kenya share a strong partnership. We work together to improve healthcare, promote peace and security in the region, advance respect for human rights, and strengthen our economies," it stated, adding that it looks forward to continuing to enhance its partnership with the people and government of Kenya.