Opposition leader Raila Odinga during a NASA event. [PHOTO/the-star.co.ke]
The United States has asked NASA leader Raila Odinga to drop his swearing-in bid and instead seek dialogue with President Uhuru Kenyatta.
This comes after NASA on Wednesday asked counties favouring the People's Assembly motion to set a date for the ceremony to take place.
But US Acting Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Donald Yamamoto has called for an immediate, sustained, open and transparent national conversation on Kenya's political direction.
"The United States also urges Opposition leaders to work within Kenya’s laws to pursue the reforms they seek and avoid extra-constitutional actions such as the proposed inauguration ceremony," he said.
Yamamoto also called on Kenyans to uphold their constitution by respecting the independent judiciary, ensuring citizens have the right to express their views and protecting the democratic space.
"We remain deeply concerned by the recent outbreaks of violence. Security services have a responsibility to show maximum restraint at all times and to protect the right of citizens to assemble."