The United States Ambassador to Kenya Robert Godec on Monday reacted to the postponement of Opposition Leader Raila Odinga's inauguration by the National Super Alliance (NASA).
In a tweet, Ambassador Godec welcomed the move adding that it was a positive step.
He called upon all Kenyans to engage in a sustained, open, and transparent national conversation to build national unity and address long-standing issues.
Speaking at a separate event, the Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) council praised the NASA leadership for calling off the swearing-in.
According to the council chairman Stephen Cheboi, the inauguration could have caused more harm than good.
[caption caption="File image of NASA Leaders meeting diplomats and members of the clergy"]
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“We thank the NASA leadership for allowing Kenyans humble time to celebrate Jamhuri Day, being an important day in the Republic of Kenya,” Mr Cheboi was quoted by the Nation.
He, however, explained that going forward, the NASA leaders and President Uhuru Kenyatta need to engage in dialogue to bring to an end the political grievances in Kenya.
NASA also received praise from a section of religious leaders who noted that the decision to reschedule the Tuesday event was the best move as it will help ease the tension in the country.
Meanwhile, the Opposition on Sunday postponed Mr Odinga's inauguration that had been scheduled for Tuesday and promised to give instructions in the coming days.
[caption caption="File image of NASA Leaders addressing the media at Okoa Kenya"]
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"Following extensive internal consultations and engagement with a wide range of national and international interlocutors, the leadership wishes to advice the NASA fraternity and the general public that the swearing in of Rt Honorable Raila Amolo Odinga and His Excellency Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka as President and Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya, and the launch of the People's assembly scheduled for Tuesday 12 December have been postponed to a later date," NASA's statement read in part.
