Call Off Swearing In - US Tells Raila

The United States has reportedly told National Super Alliance (NASA) leader Raila Odinga to call off his swearing-in scheduled for next week.

Sources indicate that Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary at the US government’s Bureau of African Affairs Donald Yamamoto on Tuesday cautioned that the move would create more problems.

The Nation reports that he met Mr Odinga, NASA principals Musalia Mudavadi, Moses Wetang’ula and Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana representing Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, who is away.

[caption caption="Donald Yamamoto"][/caption]

After the Supreme Court upheld President Uhuru Kenyatta's election win, the United States congratulated him and his deputy William Ruto for being elected to office for their second term.

In a statement seen by Kenyans.co.ke, the US further urged the President and his deputy to hold an “immediate, sustained, and open national conversation to heal divisions between communities.”

The statement sent by the State Department spokesperson, Heather Nauert, stated that US was deeply concerned by the ongoing political tensions in the country.

Additionally, Ms Nauert urged Kenyans to join together as part of the process of addressing the tension and further strengthen institutions in the country.

In October, the United States had issued a statement expressing its concern about the outbreak of violence in Kenya following the October 26th election.

US Ambassador to Kenya Robert Godec called upon leaders and politicians to avoid violence and control their supporters to desist from any violent activities.

"Leaders and politicians should clearly and publicly reject violence and work to keep the peace and make every effort to ensure their supporters do so as well.

"We welcome the work done by religious leaders, civil society and a section of politicians to help keep peace and assist those affected by the violence," the statement read in part.

[caption caption="NASA Leaders"][/caption]

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