Russia welcomes Uhuru's poll victory

Russia has now joined China in congratulating Kenya's President-elect Uhuru Kenyatta for emerging winner in the presidential elections.

In a goodwill message delivered to Mr Kenyatta by Russian Ambassador Alexandr Makarenko, the Russian Government pledged to strengthen bilateral relations between Russia and Kenya.

“In Moscow, we greet with satisfaction the successful conduct of elections in Kenya, note the democratic nature, welcome the election of Mr. Uhuru Kenyatta as new president of the country and reaffirm willingness to strengthen further traditional relations of friendship and cooperation between Russia and the Republic of Kenya,” said the ambassador.

He further noted that international observers characterized the election as free and democratic and stated that the results reflected the will of the people of Kenya.

Russia and China are permanent members of the United Nations security council with veto powers against proposed sanctions.

Mr Kenyatta is the first person facing trial at the International Criminal Court to have won a presidential election. He has been indicted over widespread violence that followed the 2007 polls.

In the elections, he clinched a first round victory over his main rival, Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who said he would challenge the results in court.

He has now received goodwill messages from four out of the five BRIC countries. Others include, China, South Africa and India which have pledge to support and cooperate with President elect Uhuru Kenyatta.

Others who delivered their congratulatory messages included Qatar ambassador to Kenya Ibrahim Bin Mohammed and Sudan ambassador to Kenya Ismail Saeed.

Meanwhile the President-elect has said his government will foster national cohesion and healing.

During a meeting with members of the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) Mr Kenyatta said elections are now over and Kenyans need to work together to build the nation.

He said that his Government will focus on creating a conducive business environment that will lower the cost of production and reduce the cost of living.

Mr. Kenyatta said he will encourage dialogue with the private sector to ensure production of affordable goods and provision of services.

“We need to dialogue on ways to reduce the public wage bill by reducing the cost of living and producing affordable goods that will enable Kenyans lead decent lives,” the President-elect said.