US to Facilitate Dialogue between President Uhuru and Raila

The United States government has set aside funds to facilitate dialogue between President Kenyatta and National Super Alliance (Nasa) leader Raila Odinga.

Speaking in an interview with the Standard, ambassador Robert Godec said the US is ready to meet financial costs of a national conversation between the two warring sides and other stakeholders.

The Standard reports that the initial amount set aside by US for the process is Sh60 million, although the American envoy did not confirm the actual figure.

The cash is reportedly to be used for the payment of a neutral venue for the talks and other costs including transport, food and auxiliary staff.

“We are working with Kenyan business, religious and community leaders, as well as other international partners on organising a potential National Conversation and we have funds to support it,” Godec said while confirming that there is such a kitty.

“The US is committed to a national conversation involving all Kenyans to build national unity, address long-standing issues and resolve divisions exacerbated by the 2017 electoral process,” Godec said.

Following the disputed 2007 presidential polls, a similar dialogue facilitated by the US government and African Union was held at Serena Hotel in Nairobi under the stewardship of former United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan. It led to the formation on grand coalition government between ODM and PNU.