US Reacts to President Kenyatta-Raila Unity Pledge
The United States through Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has hailed President Kenyatta and National Super Alliance (Nasa) leader Raila Odinga for agreeing to bury the hatchet and unite the country.
Speaking during a media briefing after arriving in Nairobi on Friday evening, Tillerson said the reconciliation of the two leaders was a great milestone as far as Kenya's unity is concerned.
“I congratulate President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga for meeting this morning. It’s a very positive step. I am cheering for success of Kenya,” Tillerson said during a press briefing at Villa Rossa Kempinski Hotel on Friday evening.
"We really want to give them the credit. This was a very important action on their part."
"To show they are ready to work for all Kenyans regardless of party and begin to take this long journey that's necessary to restore the country, eliminate these divisions that are creating obstacles to Kenya's future," stated Tillerson.
The Washington top envoy later held talks with President Kenyatta at State House in Nairobi, where he reiterated US commitment to Kenya on trade and security.
“There is no question about US commitment to Kenya on trade and security,” Mr Tillerson said during the meeting at State House, Nairobi.
He also appreciated the cooperation between US and Kenya in the fight against insecurity in Somalia and South Sudan.
Tillerson assured President Uhuru of his country's support in realising his Big Four agenda.
“The US is glad to see Kenya building investor confidence because that will help in the growth of the economy,” the US Secretary of State said.
Speaking during the meeting with Tillerson, President Kenyatta hailed the presence of top American companies in Kenya: “Leading US multinationals such as IBM, Microsoft, Google, General Electric, Coca Cola, and Bechtel, to name but a few, have opened their regional offices in Kenya; thereby providing themselves with the best platform to access the vast African market."
“As a people, we are more determined to forge a united front as we march forward in the path of progress,” President Kenyatta said.