US government announces new developments on Uhuru-Raila talks

janet ndila

January 14, 2018 1:03 PM

This is the progress made so far on Jubilee-NASA talks

The US government is leaving nothing to chance as it pushes for dialogue between President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition boss Raila Odinga.

The US ambassador to Kenya Robert Godec has disclosed that his government has set up a special kitty to facilitate talks between the Jubilee administration and National Super Alliance (NASA).

In an interview with The Standard, Godec divulged that his government would fund the National Conversation with the newspaper estimating that Sh60 million had been set aside for the talks.

“We are working with Kenyan business, religious and community leaders, as well as other international partners on organizing a potential National Conversation and we have funds to support it,” he said.

Godec reiterated the commitment of his government, stating that “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”.

On 12 December 2017, the diplomatic community and religious leaders prevailed upon Odinga to postpone his swearing in by NASA, paving way for dialogue.

However, the opposition has renewed its push for the controversial swearing in, noting that Jubilee is not serious with the calls for dialogue.

The swearing in is scheduled for 30 January with reports emerging that the NASA principals are divided on the way forward, casting doubts on the event.

janet ndila