Government Caught Soliciting Countries After Uhuru's Win

The Kenyan government has been caught soliciting for congratulatory messages from other countries after the Supreme Court upheld President Uhuru Kenyatta's victory in the repeat. 

UK magazine, the Financial Times on Tuesday published an article arousing suspicion on how quickly Britain congratulated the president adding that the government had a difficult time getting other countries to recognize the regime.

"Speculation that Ms Amina Mohammed had solicited congratulations from Mr Johnson was fuelled after diplomats from several countries from their capitals," stated the UK magazine in the article titled: Johnson's backing adds to Kenya election controversy. 

The newspaper added that two sources confirmed that Johnson Weru, Kenya’s ambassador to Brussels, sent the following email to senior officials: “Following the Supreme Court of Kenya ruling early today and which has upheld the victory of president Kenyatta, I am kindly requesting your indulgence in preparing and dispatching a suitable congratulations message. I am at hand for any quick consultations.”

[caption caption="Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Foreign Affairs Amina Mohammed"][/caption]

Furthermore, the Financial Times explained that other western countries still had concerns about the manner of Mr Kenyatta’s victory, which had prompted them to withhold their backing of the regime.

The United Kingdom (UK) Government was among the first countries that congratulated President Kenyatta on his re-election.

The congratulatory message was sent through the UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson.

Kenya Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Foreign Affairs Amina Mohammed also confirmed this message as received from the Britain government.

Additionally, the Presidential Strategic Communication Unit (PSCU) tweeted that the Government of South Sudan also sent their congratulatory message to the President-elect.

The two become the first countries to congratulate Mr Kenyatta following the Supreme Court ruling that upheld his win.

Other countries that have congratulated Uhuru are: Burundi, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Latvia, Palestine, Ethiopia, China and Israel.

[caption caption="File Image of President Uhuru Kenyatta addressing the press "][/caption]

In his congratulatory message, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu invited Uhuru for a state visit in Israel.

"I look forward to continuing to work closely with you to further strengthen the already close partnership between Israel and Kenya. I hope to welcome you back to Jerusalem soon so I can reciprocate the very warm reception you afforded me in Nairobi last year, " the PM conveyed.