[President Uhuru Kenyatta in a past event. Financial Times claims that he begged for recognition by UK. Photo/Nation]
President Uhuru Kenyatta begged foreign countries to recognize his election after the court upheld his victory, reports the Financial Times.
After many months of electioneering mood, Kenya’s apex court upheld Uhuru’s victory in an election that was widely boycotted by the opposition.
“The two petitions lack merit and the court hereby declares the third respondent validly elected,” said Chief Justice David Maraga.
But with stiff resistance from opposition leader Raila Odinga, who has been in shuttle diplomacy in key foreign countries, Uhuru is said to have directed Kenya’s Foreign Minister Amina Mohammed to write to foreign countries to seek backing.
According to the paper, Amina first reached Britain’s Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson through an e-mail which has since been leaked.
“Following the Supreme Court ruling that upheld President Kenyatta’s victory, I am kindly requesting your indulgence to prepare a congratulations message,” read part of the message.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Monica Juma has however refuted the claims adding that the department does not communicate via emails.
Prior to the court ruling, Uhuru had only been congratulated by only three countries which include Uganda, Somalia and Burundi.