Kenya Elections: Details of President Kenyatta’s phone call with U.S Secretary of State Blinken

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Friday, via phone call, held discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken following the conclusion of his three-nation tour of Africa.

Blinken landed in South Africa on August 7 to commence the trip which saw him correspondingly travel to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda in a bid to counter growing Russian influence across the continent and to advance peace and security in the region.

Blinken's visit followed a July trip to Africa by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

According to reports, Blinken lauded President Kenyatta for his role in advocating for and advancing peace and security across the continent.

Blinken, in the call, noted that President Kenyatta’s efforts will go a long way in mediating conflicts and supporting regional economic development across Africa.

"Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke today with Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta to discuss the Secretary’s recent visit to South Africa, the DRC, and Rwanda, noting his appreciation for President Kenyatta’s continued efforts to advance regional peace and security," the U.S. Department of State said in a statement.

With the winner of the 2022 presidential contest yet to be announced by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), Blinken likewise urged Kenyans to maintain peace and patience as the vote tallying process continues.

"Discussed with President Uhuru Kenyatta the importance of Kenya’s elections as a model for the continent. We encourage peace and patience as the vote tallying continues from the August 9 elections," Blinken said on his verified Twitter account on Saturday.

While touring South Africa last week, Blinken noted that all eyes would be on Kenya's August 9 General Election which he anticipated would progress peacefully, freely and fairly.