The U.S. Government has declared Raila Odinga’s opposition government in Kenya as illegal saying that he is throwing its weight behind the President Uhuru Kenyatta’s leadership.
The U.S. Department of State made this pronouncement adding that it was concerned over Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga’s self “inauguration” on Tuesday as Kenya’s ‘People’s President’.
He noted that Kenyatta was validly elected as the country’s president in accordance with Kenya’s constitution.
The U.S. also commended the restraint shown by security forces and urged them to continue to refrain from any unnecessary or excessive use of force stating that all arrests and prosecutions must be made in full accordance with the rule of law and demonstrate transparent and due process.
According to them “We urge all Kenyans to reject violence and hatred, Protesters have a right to assemble peacefully, to express their views freely, and to hold opinions without interference. “Grievances must be resolved through appropriate legal mechanisms”.
The U.S. further urged Kenyan leaders and citizens to begin a national conversation to build cohesion and address long-standing issues.
He advised the Government and all Kenyans to respect freedom of expression and implement court orders; he also called for the restoration of television broadcasts.