US State Department Responds to Calls to Remove Robert Godec

The United States of America on Thursday, through the State Department, responded to calls by some of the National Super Alliance (NASA) legislators to have US ambassador Robert Godec recalled.

In a statement issued by Amanda Jacobsen, spokeswoman for the department's Bureau of Africa Affairs, the US asserted that Godec, "has our full confidence and support."

The affirmation comes following the calls NASA MPs for the removal of the ambassador.

Ms Jacobsen noted in a State Department email message that “he (Godec) continues to serve at the pleasure of the (US) President.”

Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi on Monday claimed that the opposition brigade was planning to commence a formal protest with the US Senate over Godec's "profound vendetta' against NASA leader Raila Odinga.

[caption caption="File image of NASA leader Raila Odinga and US Ambassador Robert Godec"][/caption]

"Mr Godec's continued stay in the country is injurious to the long-term relationship between the people of Kenya and the US,” mentioned Wandayi.

The outspoken lawmaker accused the ambassador of responding to the interests of "only a section of Kenya."

Wandayi further linked Godec to the unexpected no-show by NASA co-principals, Kalonzo Musyoka, Musalia Mudavadi and Moses Wetangula during the controversial swearing- in ceremony.

Despite the allegations, Godec on Monday criticized the Jubilee administration over the recent media shutdown.

“The US again urges the government of Kenya to allow TV stations to re-open,” Ambassador Godec posted on Twitter. 

[caption caption="File image of NASA leader during his swearing-in ceremony"][/caption]

The envoy further mentioned: “Free media is essential to democracy. So is adherence to the Constitution and the rule of law. Court orders must be respected.”

He exclaimed this following the defiance by the government to obey the court order to switch on three TV stations, Citizen TV, KTN News and NTV that were shut down on January 30.