US Praises Uhuru-Raila Handshake, Pledges to Offer Support

The United States has once again declared its support for last month handshake between President Kenyatta and Opposition leader Raila Odinga. 

Outgoing American Ambassador to Kenya Robert Godec lauded the step taken by the two leaders, terming it as a step forward for the country.

Speaking at the Kisii County Governor’s office on Monday, the Washington envoy said that the US government was concerned with the political developments in Kenya and called for for an inclusive implementation of the MoU between Kenyatta and Odinga.

“The US is very strongly supportive of the handshake that took place bewteen President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. This was a very important step forward for Kenya,” said Godec.

Godec urged for the involvement of all stakeholders in the implementation of good governance, justice and fight against corruption.

“What is now important is that the handshake deal with the ongoing challenges facing the country and everyone knows what they are. These are issues on governance, corruption, protecting institutions to ensure they can deliver what the Kenyan people want. The US will be there supporting this process provided its inclusive and it deals with the real issues,” he said.

Godec was on a tour to the Gusii region where he checked the progress of public-private partnership projects including the soapstone industry in South Mugirango.

On his part, Kisii Senator Prof. Sam Ongeri echoed Godec’s sentiments, stressing on the need to reconcile the country.

“On behalf of my colleagues from Nyamira County, we fully support the handshake because we believe for us to be able to make meaningful progress, we need to now deal with the issues ailing this country,” said Prof. ongeri.