US denies having preferred candidate ahead of polls

The United States of American does not have any preferred candidate or political party in the August 8 General Election, American ambassador to Kenya Robert Godec has said.

Speaking during a visit at Mikoko Pamoja Mangrove Project in Kwale County, the American ambassador said his government is interested in seeing Kenyans express their democratic right in a free, fair, peaceful and credible polls.

Godec urged politicians to engage electorates in peaceful campaigns based on issues and policies as opposed to violence.

The American envoy encouraged Kenyans in the diaspora to take advantage of the voter registration window to enlist to participate in the democratic process.

Godec further asked those who would not agree with the election results or the process to seek redress from constitutional bodies like the courts.

He also applauded Jomo Kenyatta International’s Airport (JKIA) for attaining category one status from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) allowing it to apply for the introduction of direct flights to America.

The envoy said that the move would bring to an end the long search for express connection between the two countries hence boosting their economic ties.

Direct flights would cut hours off the lengthy journey between the two nations, and also provide a major boost to Kenya’s tourism industry.

On travel advisories, Godec said it is essential for the American Embassy to advise its citizens of risk areas to visit but remarked that a ban on travel to the South Coast was lifted.