By Benjamin Wafula, Citizen Digital
The U.S. Ambassador to Kenya Robert Godec has said that President Barack Obama will not visit Kogelo, Siaya County.
Speaking on KTN’s Jeff Koinange Live, Godec said that while it would have been great for President Obama to visit his home village, he will be in Kenya for a limited time thus making the trip to Kogelo impossible.
“Unfortunately President Obama will not be able to visit Kogelo. He has very limited time in Kenya and that will make it difficult to make the trip,” he said.
Godec, however, said consultations are still on-going to create an itinerary for the President adding that the Embassy has received many request and invitations for Obama.
“We have received many invitations from people who want President Obama to visit their counties or grace their events. We are still working on the program.”
The Ambassador said President Obama’s visit to the country, which makes him the first ever sitting US President to visit the country, is historical.
“President Obama’s visit to Kenya is historical. The Global Entrepreneurship Summit is also historical because it creates an opportunity for entrepreneurs to engage with experienced business people.”
He confirmed that so far it is clear President Obama will address the summit and hold bilateral talks with President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Godec said Obama’s trip will strengthen Kenya’s relation with the United States and improve the already active cooperation between the two countries.
The Ambassador noted that though security will be tight during Obama’s visit, arrangements are being made to minimise the impact and disruptions that the visit may cause.
Security situation
“There will be tight security during President Obama’s visit. We are, however, doing our level best to minimise the impact,” he stated.
On security, the US Ambassador urged Kenyans to work together to defeat terrorism.
He said everyone opposed to extremism should work with the government to improve security in the country.
He reaffirmed the US commitment to end terrorism in Kenya adding that a lot has been done behind the scenes to boost Kenya’s efforts in the fight against terrorism.
Godec noted that the recent security advisory issued to American citizens is a reality adding that there is a security challenge in the country.
“These warnings are always issued whenever there is a major event all over the world because of the threats of terrorism and crime.”
“We did not warn Americans not to come to Kenya. We just issued a security warning which is the procedure all over the world.”
President Obama will be in the country next week for the Global Entrepreneurship Summit set for June 24th to 26th in Nairobi.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment