US Ambassador Kyle McCarter has addressed reports that US government had revoked visas of top Kenyan Government officials after gag order.
The claims emerged that US was not impressed by a move by a governmental committee to suppress political freedom by curtailing that of speech.
While speaking in Kirinyaga on Tuesday, October 13, McCarter noted that he was not aware of such a move, dismissing a report that extrapolated from that of US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo as fake.
On Thursday, October 8, Pompeo noted that the US was committed to supporting free and fair elections across the African continent that was misconstrued to mean Kenyan officials visas could be revoked for curtailing freedom of speech.
He further noted that he did not have the powers to implement the revocation on his own.
“As far as am concerned there is no such a move by the USA these are rumors, I don’t know such information and personally I have no powers to do so," he stated.
The National Security Advisory Committee (NSAC) issued guidelines barring politicians from holding rallies unless they secured approvals from the police.
The move lead to widespread outcry after it became apparent that leaders allied to Deputy President William Ruto were the most affected with the order.
Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai justified approval of other national leaders to hold rallies explaining that their events did not pose a security threat to individuals and neighbouring property.
Controversial reports indicating US order had quoted a widely circulated letter from Pompeo insinuating that the entire African continent was sliding back to anarchy.
Kenya and the US have enjoyed a cordial relationship that saw President Uhuru Kenyatta meet his counterpart Donald Trump to enhance trade partnership in January 2020.
"Kenya is a recognized leader across the continent, an important strategic partner of the United States, and there is enormous potential for us to deepen our economic and commercial ties.
"Under President Trump’s leadership, we look forward to negotiating and concluding a comprehensive, high-standard agreement with Kenya that can serve as a model for additional agreements across Africa," U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said during the meeting.
