The US Embassy in Nairobi has put to rest reports on social media alleging that Ambassador Robert Godec had been recalled by the State Department.
In an exclusive interview with Kenyans.co.ke, the embassy’s Information Officer Ms Siona Evans categorically refuted the claims.
“No. Ambassador Godec has not been recalled by the State Department, those reports are fake news,” Ms Evans stated.
Ambassador Godec raised speculations that he could be on his way out after a statement made on Thursday.
[caption caption="Ambassador Godec"]
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While celebrating Thanksgiving Day – a public holiday marked on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States – Godec stated that he was thankful for the “opportunity to have served as US Ambassador in Kenya.”
However, the statement was misconstrued to mean that his tenure is on the homestretch. He had previously denied claims that is leaving the country.
Moreover, Ambassador Godec is expected to lead the US government delegation to President Uhuru Kenyatta's inauguration ceremony.
Other US officials are expected to be present for Tuesday's ceremony as well, but President Trump and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will apparently not be among them.
A State Department official wrote: “Ambassador Godec will be the highest-ranking US government representative at the inauguration, but will not be the only USG [US government] representative present.”
[caption caption="President Uhuru chatting with Ambassador Godec and Former US Secretary of State John Kerry"]
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The official did not, however, reveal the names or titles of the other US diplomats who will be gracing the ceremony.
