U.S. welcome NASA’s move to go to court

The United States of America has welcomed the decision by National Super Alliance (NASA) to challenge the results presidential poll at the Supreme Court.

In a statement to newsrooms, U.S. Ambassador to Kenya, Robert Godec, says that his county looks forward to the court resolving the questions that NASA will raise through mechanisms provided for by the constitution.

“As a long-time friend, the United States continues to follow Kenya’s presidential election process closely, we welcome the decision by Kenya’s opposition NASA to go to the Supreme Court with its concerns regarding the results of the presidential poll. The Supreme Court is the constitutional venue to address disputes,” read the statement.

In the statement, Godec says that the United States is troubled by the reports of deaths and injuries that followed the IEBC’s August 11 announcement of the election results.

“Kenya’s Constitution gives all citizens the right to protest peacefully, which should be respected by security services, we were deeply troubled by the reports of deaths and injuries that followed the IEBC’s August 11 announcement of the election results, we urge security services to avoid using excessive force and to protect lives and property.”

Godec notes that it is important that organizations such as the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to investigate any allegations of misconduct by police officers and that those responsible for abuses be held accountable adding that protesters also have a responsibility to remain peaceful and respect the law.

According to the statement, the United States is also concerned by the recent clampdown on Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO’S) and civil society groups.

“A free and open civil society and media are vital to democracy. Civil society organizations should be permitted to operate without the threat of deregistration similarly journalists should be protected from attacks and harassment. In this regard, we welcome the decision by the Government of Kenya to reverse this action and urge that the reversal be fully implemented immediately.”

Ambassador Godec also says that the U.S. welcomes the call by President Kenyatta and many Kenyan leaders for national unity saying all Kenyans have the responsibility to work to bring their country together.

“All Kenyans have the responsibility to reject violence and embrace the rule of law. The United States is committed to strengthening our partnership as Kenyans move forward in building their great country,” concluded Godec.