U.S. expresses concern over political wrangling in Kenya

Source: Xinhua | 05-13-2009 07:54

by Daniel Ooko

NAIROBI, May 12 (Xinhua) -- The United States on Tuesday expressed deep concern about the growing friction between individuals and political parties in Kenya over positions that could be a prelude to instability in the country.

Visiting U.S. Assistant Secretary of State in Charge of African Affairs Johnnie Carson said in Nairobi that his country is watching with growing concern the escalating political tension in the country might turn into a political crisis and ultimately political violence.

"There are indications that the political violence that followed the disputed elections of 2007 could be replayed if efforts are not made to honor the outcome of talks brokered by former Secretary General of the United Nations Kofi Annan and which brought peace to Kenya," Carson told a news conference in Nairobi.

Carson, the former U.S. Ambassador to Kenya, reiterated that what the agreements reached during the peace talks must be observed.

He said that the United States would move pro-actively as a friend of Kenya to offer support to the disagreeing parties so that peace could be maintained in the country.

"The United States is a large and powerful country. We have no legality to whip Kenya. However there are some measures we can take to force some things to happen. But the real efforts remain with Kenyans," the envoy said when asked whether the United States would use its muscle to force the protagonists to tow the line.

Carson said that he had passed the same message during his meeting with top government officials.

"I met with President (Mwai) Kibaki, Prime Minister Raila Oddinga, Finance Minister Uhuru Kenyatta and Speaker Kenneth Marende and recapped the importance of putting into place structures that will make Kenyans live harmoniously," he said.

Meanwhile, Kenya President Mwai Kibaki has said the Coalition Government is fully committed to the reform agenda.

Speaking during a meeting with Carson earlier, Kibaki said that the government has taken major steps that have firmly put the country on the path of comprehensive reforms.

He appointed members of the Interim Independent Boundaries Review Commission on Tuesday as part of the reform agenda.