The United States government has urged opposition leader
Raila Odinga to call off his swearing-in ceremony slated for Tuesday, December
12, and work within the Constitution to pursue reforms.
In a statement issued by its Embassy in Kenya, the US once
again called for immediate and transparent dialogue to resolve the political
divisions that have threatened to plunge the country into a crisis.
“The United States
urges opposition leaders to work within Kenya’s laws to pursue the reforms they
seek and to avoid extra-constitutional actions such as the proposed
“inauguration ceremony” on December 12. We again call for an immediate,
sustained, open, and transparent national conversation involving all Kenyans,”
read part of the statement.
Further, the US vowed to work closely with President
Kenyatta as he begins his second and final term.
“The United States will work to deepen our partnership with
Kenya of over 50 years. We are committed to working closely with the
Kenyan government and people to strengthen further our excellent ties and to
enhance security, democracy, and prosperity for everyone,” said the US.
However, Odinga’s advisor Salim Lone on Wednesday said the
inauguration ceremony for the opposition leader is on course, adding that the
National Super Alliance (NASA) leader is also open for dialogue.
“Mr Odinga’s swearing will be lawful. It will help prevent
further polarization by giving Kenyans hope for electoral justice that was
denied them, under a genuinely independent IEBC. It will also give new impetus
for the People’s Assembly to guide county assemblies in urgently addressing a
number of pressing economic and justice issues that will provide material
benefits to our people,” said Lone in a statement to newsrooms.
He added: “Mr Odinga has also always been open to a
dialogue. He has repeatedly indicated his willingness to enter into a dialogue
even now, if it is held between equals, as was done in 2008 between a sworn-in
President Kibaki and Mr Odinga. Mr Odinga’s only condition for the dialogue is
that it must have an agreed agenda, which should, unlike in 2008, include
electoral justice.”