US Speaks on Raila's Planned Swearing-in

The United States has once again urged Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga to shelve his planned inauguration as people's president.

In a statement by the Acting Secretary of State for African Affairs Donald Yamamoto, the US said the move by the National Super Alliance (NASA) to establish a parallel government are "unhelpful."

“Forming a separate or parallel government is really unhelpful,” said Donald Yamamoto, the acting assistant secretary of state for African affairs.

Speaking during a teleconference with reporters, the diplomat further said that US recognizes Odinga's commitment to reforms in Kenya over the past years.

“We've known the former prime minister over the years,” the top US diplomat for Africa said. “He has a great story — the need for political reform. “He stands as a model for reform,” Mr Yamamoto added.

“He is famous for, noted for, respected for reform.”

Mr Yamamoto also said Kenya is “one of our most important countries in Africa" and that "Kenya must thus demonstrate high standards of democracy."