Jane Marriot: I have not endorsed any presidential candidate

British High Commissioner to Kenya Jane Marriott [Kipsang Joseph,Standard]

British High Commissioner to Kenya Jane Marriott has distanced herself from reports that she endorsed UDA leader William Ruto for the presidency ahead of the August 9, polls.

Social media was awash with the claims after photos of Marriot and Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairperson Wafula Chebukati as well as Ruto emerged.

Making a clarification, Marriott, in a statement on her Twitter page on Monday, August 22, stated that the United Kingdom has no preferred candidate in Kenya's electoral process.

"There has been a lot of misinformation circulating in the last few days about the United Kingdom and myself with regards to Kenya's elections.

"For the avoidance of doubt, I want to categorically reiterate that the United Kingdom does not support or have a view on any candidates or parties in elections," Marriott said.

Further, she emphasized that the United Kingdom was ready to support leaders who Kenyans had elected.

"We meet people from across the political spectrum to explain the United Kingdom's programmes and partnership with Kenya, including independent institutions," she said.

Mariott added; "Kenya will remain a vital partner for the United Kingdom through our Strategic Partnership."