President Uhuru Kenyatta with United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Executive Director Henrietta Fore and other government officials at State House Nairobi, January 19, 2018. [Photo|PSCU]Opposition leader Raila Odinga's adviser Salim Lone has opposed appointment of President Uhuru Kenyatta by a UN agency’s to be the global champion for youth empowerment.United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Executive Director Henrietta Fore said the President’s role will include advocating promotion of universal healthcare, education and nutrition. Making the request when she paid a courtesy call on President Kenyatta at State House, Nairobi, on Friday Ms Fore assured the country of support in achieving universal healthcare.In a rejoinder, Lone on Saturday issued the following statement:"I am utterly horrified (and ashamed as a former UN official) that UNICEF has bestowed this honour on President Uhuru Kenyatta, who two months ago praised police after they killed lawful protestors and two dozen youth, inc tiny children; abused and threatened Supreme Court judges after they annulled his rigged election in September; and who was not acquitted of crimes against humanity charges at the International Criminal Court. What a terrible way for Ms Fore to begin her high UN tenure. This is also a severe Indictment of UNICEF and UN top brass in Nairobi who would have proposed or agreed to this appointment. It will earn the wrath of more than half of all Kenyans who are bitterly opposed to President Kenyatta’s rule for rigging himself back to power and all the killings his forces have committed. UNICEF as the UN grassroots agency will suffer a backlash too. All friends of the UN worldwide, especially currently and former senior officials in the areas of human rights, democracy and electoral integrity, should publicly or privately urge Ms. Fore or UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, to withdraw this honour. My being adviser to NASA leader Raila Odinga has nothing to do with my stand on this."

Is there a story unfolding in your community? Let Hivisasa know