President Uhuru Kenyatta welcomed Kenya's resounding victory
in Thursday’s second round of voting in the elections for a non-permanent seat
on the UN Security Council.
The President termed Kenya's win as a demonstration of the
country's growing profile and influence in the community of nations as a
steadfast and dependable development partner.
The Head of State thanked Kenya's competitor in the election,
the Republic of Djibouti, for being a worthwhile opponent and the African Union
for the endorsement as the continent's flag bearer in the contest.
Kenya, the President said, will endeavor to consolidate and
voice Africa's position in the Security Council and will advance its 10-point
agenda as outlined during the campaign period.
His sentiments were echoed by Deputy President William Ruto
who said the victory reaffirms Kenya’s strategic position in the community of
nations.
“We will no doubt use this stint at the Council to further
the pan-Africanist agenda of peace building, security around the globe and
multilateralism.
“Congratulations to our team led by President Uhuru
Kenyatta,” he tweeted.
Kenya garnered 129 votes against Djibouti’s 62 in the voting
that saw almost all member states vote.
President of UNGA Tijjani Muhammad- Bande announced the
winner after the voting exercise that took almost three hours.
The contest between Kenya and Djibouti headed to the second
round of voting Thursday after the first phase saw Nairobi’s victory
insufficient to win the UN Security Council seat.
In the first round on Wednesday, Nairobi scored 113 votes
against Djibouti’s 78.
The rules of the elections demand at least two-thirds of the
eligible UN member states voting to be declared the winner.