2007 PRESS RELEASES

U.S. STATEMENT ON THE KENYAN ELECTIONS 

December 21, 2007

The United States Mission to Kenya will deploy nearly 200 of our Kenyan and American staff as observers for the December 27 national election.  We have received accreditation from the Electoral Commission of Kenya.  U.S. Mission observers will deploy to locations in each of Kenya’s eight provinces and will complement the efforts of domestic observers, other resident diplomatic missions, and various visiting international observation teams.  The deployment of U.S. observers highlights our commitment to support a credible and transparent electoral process. 

The United States Mission is strictly neutral.  As has been well documented by the media and consistently emphasized by senior embassy officials, the United States government provides no funding or material support to any individual candidates or parties. Consistent with our policy of strict neutrality, all United States government-funded training activities are available on a non-partisan basis.

We note with concern the vulnerability of women candidates to political violence and intimidation.  At a large gathering of female candidates hosted by U.S. Ambassador Michael Ranneberger on December 10, one participant after another shared horror stories of intimidation and attacks they continue to endure during this campaign.  We strongly urge all relevant authorities to take effective measures to ensure the safety of all candidates especially women.  We call on all politicians and government officials to publicly denounce all forms of violence, ethnic incitement and electoral malpractice.

We are confident in the ability of the Kenyan people to carry out a free and fair election.  We welcome ECK Chairman Kivuitu’s strong stewardship of the electoral process.  We urge Kenya’s political leaders to maintain a close dialogue in order to ensure a smooth transition (whether this means President Kibaki forming another government or the opposition forming a government).  The U.S. remains committed to its strong and growing partnership with Kenya.