A United States top government official will be in Kenya for three days to push for dialogue between president Kenyatta's side and Raila Odinga-led National Super Alliance (NASA) following a disputed presidential election.
Donald Trump's administration said that acting assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Donald Yamamoto arrived in the country on December 4th. During the time, the diplomat will hold discussions with the two warring sides in a bid to arrive at a compromise.
“He will meet with representatives of the Kenyan government, as well as with Kenyan civil society. The visit will encourage all sides in Kenya to participate in a national dialogue following the presidential election,” says the statement from the office of the US government spokesperson.
The country was thrown into political tension after the Supreme Court nullified president Uhuru's August 8th victory and ordered a fresh poll be held within 60 days. However, opposition leader Odinga and his running mate Kalonzo Musyoka pulled out of the repeated president poll held on October 26th, citing refusal by Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to undertake reforms that would lead to a credible elections.
President Uhuru Kenyatta was declared the winner of the repeat poll after garnering about 98 percent of the total votes cast. His reelection was challenged at the Supreme, but six judges unanimously upheld his victory.
Uhuru was sworn in to office for his second term on November 28th, but Odinga and his brigade have vowed not to recognise his as legitimately elected President. The opposition chief has announced he will be installed as people's president at a ceremony scheduled for December 12th.
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