US government sets aside millions for Uhuru,Raila talks

david nganga

January 14, 2018 12:05 PM

The US has set aside a special kitty for talks between the two leaders

The US government has reportedly set aside a special kitty for talks between President Uhuru Kenyatta and NASA leader Raila Odinga.

US Ambassador to Kenya Robert Godec told local newspaper Sunday Standard that Trump's government is committed in facilitating the dialogue, dubbed 'national conversation', in the best interest of the country.

While he could not confirm the actual amount of money, the newspaper estimated a Sh60 million initial capital for the talks.

“We are working with Kenyan business, religious and community leaders, as well as other international partners on organising a potential National Conversation and we have funds to support it,” Godec said while confirming that there is such a kitty.

The money would cater for the payment of a neutral venue and other miscellaneous expenditure incurred in the process, including transport, food and auxiliary staff.

The US government is pushing for talks between the two in order to resolve divisions aggravated by last year's polls.

“The US is committed to a national conversation involving all Kenyans to build national unity, address long-standing issues and resolve divisions exacerbated by the 2017 electoral process,” Godec said.Last week, Wiper Democratic Movement leader Kalonzo Musyoka said that although he was supportive of dialogue, he was opposed to foreign diplomats and the church participating in it. He blamed them for endorsing the “fraud” that was the October 26, 2017 presidential election.

david nganga