The US does not have favourite candidates for the 2017 general election, US Secretary of State John Kerry said on Monday.
Kerry said his
country had no plan to interfere with Kenya’s electoral process but will ensure peace and credibility.
“We will work with Kenya to ensure the process is free, fair and credible,” he said.
He spoke at a joint press briefing with Foreign Affairs CS Amina Mohamed.
Kerry reiterated the need for political leaders to shun violence to avoid a repeat of the 2007/8 chaos.
The Secretary of State said it was up to leaders to ensure the violence witnessed then is never repeated.
“We have noticed the plans of the reforms on the electoral and boundaries commission, [and] I urge political leaders that any conflicts or disputes be resolved in a peaceful manner. Kenya has come a long way since 2007."
Amina said the government was committed to conducting elections that everyone will support.
“We are committed to transparency and credibility in the next general elections,” she said.
Regarding Somalia, Kerry said the US will ensure Amisom forces have the resources they need to deal with the threat from terror group al Shabaab.
Noting terrorism is a regional threat that needs a regional response, he urged East African counties to support Amisom forces.
"We will continue providing funds to ensure a sustained and relentless effort to eliminate the al Shabaab threat," he said.
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Kerry also said the US government plans to give Kenya $117 million (Sh11.9 billion) to aid the repatriation of refugees.
He said an additional $29 million (Sh2.9 billion) will be channeled to the UNHCR for its supplementary appeal.