President Uhuru Kenyatta after being declared the winner of the August general polls. Photo/voa.com

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The German Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sigmar Gabriel, made the following statement today (13 August) on the presidential elections in Kenya:

I congratulate Uhuru Kenyatta on his re-election as President of Kenya. National and international observers consider the elections to have been transparent and credible.

I am delighted that Kenyans have participated in the elections in great numbers and have exercised their democratic rights peacefully. Their vote must be respected.

The images of violent clashes following the announcements of the opposition that it would not recognize the result of the election, however, give grounds for concern. The leaders of opposition parties must use peaceful legal  means to address their doubts concerning the outcome of the election. They should call on their supporters to remain calm and composed. Anything else would be irresponsible given the recent history of Kenya.

I welcome that President Kenyatta has offered to reach out to the opposition.

I hope that the Government of Kenya will commit its security forces to maximum restraint and prudence in order to deescalate a tense situation.

Germany will continue to stand by Kenya as a close partner in its tangible efforts towards further political, economic and social development.