US Gives its Position on Raila's Planned 'Swearing in'

The United States has told National Super Alliance (NASA) leader Raila Odinga to shelve his planned 'swearing in' slated for December 12th.

Speaking when he met Raila on Tuesday, Principal Deputy assistant Secretary at the US government’s Bureau of African Affairs Donald Yamamoto warned Odinga that the move could further split the country.

Yamamoto is in the country for three days to push for dialogue between president Kenyatta's side and Raila Odinga's brigade following the disputed presidential election. He held discussions with Nasa principals Odinga, Musalia Mudavadi, Moses Wetang’ula and Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana, who was representing Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka.

The Nation reports that the diplomat promised to preside over negotiations between the opposition and the ruling party, and chart a way of ending the political impasse.

The discussions were held at US Ambassador to Kenya Robert Godec’s residence, where Yamamoto indicated that defiant individuals may face unspecified sanctions from President Donald Trump’s administration.

Mr Yamamoto is scheduled to meet President Kenyatta in a bid to initiate dialogue with the opposition. While congratulating President Uhuru for his re-election, the US urged for national dialogue between political antagonists, to unite the country.

“As part of the process of addressing these tensions and strengthening institutions, we urge Kenyans to join together to hold an immediate, sustained and open national conversation to heal divisions between communities,” US State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert said.