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BORIS Johnson was under fresh scrutiny last night for praising a corrupt election in Kenya which was dissolved yesterday.
Last month the Foreign Secretary Congratulated President Uhuru Kenyatta on his re-election after a bloody contest which left at least 28 dead.
Mr Johnson said: “The UK and Kenya are longstanding friends and close partners.
“We look forward to building on our strong relationship, working together to advance our shared prosperity and security and to support Kenya’s development, for the benefit of all.
“We commend the people of Kenya for their commitment to democracy and salute those who worked tirelessly and courageously towards holding credible elections.”
But the African country's supreme court yesterday ordered a new
presidential election after claims from opposition officials that the
voting system was rigged to get Kenyatta elected.
presidential election after claims from opposition officials that the
voting system was rigged to get Kenyatta elected.
Kenyatta’s victory has now been voided after six judges ruled 4-2 that the election was not properly carried out and another election will be held within the next 60 days.
Liberal Democrat MP Tom Brake said: "This latest gaffe dashes any remaining hopes that Boris Johnson is fit to represent Britain abroad.
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“The election result in Kenya always looked a bit dodgy, but Johnson has proved he’s more interested in cosying up to whichever world leader might put on a good banquet than promoting democracy.
“The Foreign Office must now put its full weight into ensuring proper elections are now held in Kenya."
It is the latest in a string of blunders by Mr Johnson and comes as he tries to limit the damage to his reputation after Times columnist Rachel Sylvester skewered him in an article.
ANDREW PARSONS / I-IMAGES
She wrote that diplomatic sources told her White House officials “don’t want to go anywhere near Boris because they think he’s a joke."
While one unnamed Tory MP told her: "The French think Boris is totally unreliable, the Germans think he’s a liar and the Italians think he’s dangerous.
"He is undermining our ability to negotiate internationally and degrading our position abroad."
