Outgoing UK High Commissioner to Kenya Jane Marriott on Tuesday, May 2 detailed the events before and after the August 9, 2022 General Election.

In an interview on Spice FM, Marriott revealed that on several occasions she was forced to cancel meetings with Kenya Kwanza after failing to meet with Azimio. 

She disclosed that before the elections her aim was to hold the same number of meetings with both candidates.

"I went as far as canceling with Kenya Kwanza because I was not able to balance it out with the Azimio team," she stated.

She emphasised that UK's objective was to ensure it was on good terms with the new government after the elections.  

Marriott also dismissed funding the elections and coercing former Independence Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Wafula Chebukati to announce the results even though there were reservations. 

"We were at one point concerned about the IEBC and whether it should have the right technical capacity building and support to deliver the elections," she stated.

"I never had that conversation with Chebukati. It is amazing how many people assume conversations that never happened," Marriott added.

However, Marriott noted that she once asked Chebukati if he knew who had won the election when he responded that it was difficult to tell since all the votes were yet to be counted.

Further, the diplomat was saddened that her term had come to an end, noting that the four years went by fast. 

"The four years have been quick, I feel like I arrived yesterday and have so many things left to do. It has been an amazing experience," Marriott remarked.

"Maybe the president can speak to King Charles to extend my tenure," she jokingly added.

Neil Wigan OBE is expected to take over Marriott's position after her term ends in July 2023.