US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson to Snub Raila during His Visit to Kenya

US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is expected to hold discussions with President Kenyatta once he visits the country later this week.

On Monday, acting assistant secretary of state for African affairs, Donald Yamamoto confirmed the meeting between President Uhuru and Tillerson, although he did not disclose what will be discussed.

The US top government official is, however, not expected to meet National Super Alliance (Nasa) leader Raila Odinga.

Speaking during a media briefing, Yamamoto said he and American Ambassador Robert Godec have held numerous talks with Odinga and other opposition figures in the past, thus, no need for any meeting with Tillerson.

“We're not ignoring the opposition,” the acting head of the Africa Bureau added. “It plays a critical role”.

"But the main focus is to talk to the government,” Yamamoto said.

In his first ever tour to Africa since President Trump assumed office early last year, Tillerson will visit Kenya and four other countries including Ethiopia, Nigeria, Chad and Djibouti.

Yamamoto further expressed confidence with US Ambassador to Kenya Godec, whom the opposition has called for his sacking, claiming that he has been partisan.

Yamamoto said Godec is among the most senior American diplomats serving in Africa and that he stands as “a model of leadership and engagement.”