US praises Uhuru-Raila handshake, vows to support unity process

The United States of America has expressed support for the peace pact between President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and called for its inclusive implementation.

Outgoing US Ambassador to Kenya Robert Godec on Monday praised the peace agreement symbolized in a handshake by the two leaders as an important step forward for the country.

The envoy, who spoke at the Kisii County Governor’s office, pointed out that the US government was concerned with the political developments in the country.

“The US is very strongly supportive of the handshake that took place bewteen President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. This was a very important step forward for Kenya,” said Godec.

Godec recommended stakeholder involvement in the implementation of good governance, justice for civil society groups and dealing with corruption.

“What is now important is that the handshake deal with the ongoing challenges facing the country and everyone knows what they are. These are issues on governance, corruption, protecting institutions to ensure they can deliver what the Kenyan people want. The US will be there supporting this process provided its inclusive and it deals with the real issues,” he said.

Godec was on a visit of the larger Gusii region where he inspected public-private partnership projects including the soapstone industry in South Mugirango constituency.

Kisii County Senator Prof. Sam Ongeri echoed Godec’s sentiments saying the country was in dire need of reconciliation and healing if potential economic progress was to be realised.

“On behalf of my colleagues from Nyamira County, we fully support the handshake because we believe for us to be able to make meaningful progress, we need to now deal with the issues ailing this country,” said Prof. ongeri.

He said the gesture by Kenyatta and Odinga would minimize political friction arising from the recent electoral cycle.