Britain called on Kenyan leaders to act responsibly after delays in counting its election result sparked violence and accusations of vote-rigging.
In a joint-statement, Foreign Secretary David Miliband and International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander said it was a "pivotal moment" for the African nation.
They said: "We are disturbed at the violence surrounding the elections."
They added: "The British Government calls for an end to the violence, respect for the democratic process and for all Kenyan leaders to act responsibly.
"This is a pivotal moment for Kenya. It is vital that the entire election process meets the expectations of the Kenyan electorate.
"The international community hopes that Kenya will live up to both the letter and the spirit of its democratic principles."
Their intervention came after three people were reported to have died in violence after the count was halted for a review of disputed results.
And opposition candidate Raila Odinga called for the sitting president Mwai Kibaki to concede defeat, accusing his administration of fraud.
