Commonwealth Secretary-General congratulates Kenya’s new president

Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon today congratulated Kenya's new leader, President Mwai Kibaki, on his election in the 2002 Kenya General Election and paid tribute to outgoing President Daniel Arap Moi.

Mr McKinnon commended the peaceful and orderly manner in which the polls were conducted. He praised Kenyans for their commitment to democracy, as shown during the election. "Their resolve to support the democratic process has been clearly demonstrated and will be a decisive factor in taking the country forward under its new leadership.

"The Commonwealth Observer Group led by Professor Adebayo Adedeji observed the election throughout the country and has told me how impressed it was by the conduct of the election. In its Interim Statement the Observer Group has commended the professional performance of the staff of the Electoral Commission of Kenya. This is particularly pleasing to the Commonwealth, which has been working closely with the Commission in the lead up to the election," Mr McKinnon added.

"I would like to take this opportunity to wish President Kibaki and his new team the very best as they face the challenges ahead and to assure them of the Commonwealth's support."

The Secretary-General also paid tribute to former President Daniel Arap Moi, who has led Kenya for the past 24 years: "I thank him for his contribution to the Commonwealth and congratulate him on the example he has set in presiding over a peaceful and democratic transition in Kenya."

Note to Editors

The Commonwealth Observer Group has been in Kenya for over a month. The Group observed the General Election on 27 December and its Chairman issued an interim statement on 28 December. The Group is currently writing its final report in Nairobi, which will be submitted to Mr McKinnon next week.

For further enquiries contact James Robertson, Communications and Public Affairs Division, on +44 207747 6379. For queries on the Commonwealth Observer Group contact Minelle Fernandez +00254 721 200019.