Clinton in Kenya to press democracy

[August 04, 2012]  NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) -- U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton pressed the leaders of Kenya on the importance of fair and free elections on Saturday and encouraged the African nation to be a "model for the entire world."

Clinton urged them to avoid a repeat of the 2007 presidential election when national voting is held next year. The 2007 vote resulted in widespread violence.

After a meeting with the chief justice of Kenya's Supreme Court, Clinton said the U.S. has pledged to assist the people and government of Kenya to ensure "the upcoming elections are free, fair, and transparent."

"We urge that the nation come together and prepare for elections that will be a real model for the entire world," Clinton said.

She will also meet later with members of Somalia's transitional government and regional leaders as they prepare to hold elections in 2013.

Clinton arrived in Kenya from Uganda on Saturday and is on the fourth leg of an 11-day tour of Africa. The trip began in Senegal and will take her next to Malawi and South Africa.

[Associated Press; By MATTHEW LEE]

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.