President Kenyatta calls on Kiir to implement peace agreement

President Uhuru Kenyatta has urged his South Sudanese counterpart, Salva Kiir, to implement reforms to consolidate peace in the country.

President Kenyatta, who visited Juba Tuesday, August 30, met Kiir barely a month a flare up that left over 200 people dead and thousands others displaced.

The conflict also led to replacement of Dr Riek Machar as the First Vice President by Taban Deng after he fled the troubled capital.

He urged President Kiir to implement reforms including security arrangements provided for in the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.

The President said his visit, besides focusing on the peace process, was also a show of solidarity with the people of South Sudan.

“We are here to offer the people of South Sudan our support both moral and material,” said President Kenyatta when he addressed a joint media briefing with President Kiir at State House, Juba.

President Kenyatta urged Kiir to spare no efforts to ensure that the people of South Sudan are spared the agony of endless conflicts.

“You did not fight for independence to fight each other. We will continue encouraging you to ensure there is peace in South Sudan,” said the President.

On his part, President Kiir said the Kenyan leader’s visit was symbolic as it shows that the regional leadership has not forsaken South Sudan.

“President Uhuru Kenyatta’s visit is the first by a Head of State after our crisis and it shows the regional leadership is with us,” said the South Sudanese leader.

He noted that the country is calm and that the government is running smoothly.

The South Sudanese leader later hosted a luncheon in honour of his guest before President Kenyatta departed for Nairobi.