Clarify stand on polls, Kenya tells US

By Felix Olick

NAIROBI; KENYA: The Government is seeking clarification from the US Government regarding their position on the March 4 General Election.

At the same time, a committee facilitating the handing over by the President Kibaki has recommended that the incoming Deputy President be assigned duties currently carried out by Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

Head of Public Service Francis Kimemia welcomed President Obama’s statement, but insisted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would seek clarification after US Assistant Secretary for State on African Affairs Johnnie Carson appeared to contradict Obama.

“The Government welcomes the statement by President Barack Obama on assurance of non-interference, non-endorsement and respect for the will of Kenyans. Lately, there have been contradictions but the Government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will seek clarification,” Mr Kimemia said during a breakfast meeting at a Nairobi hotel yesterday.

On Thursday, Mr Carson said Kenyans would bear the consequences of electing suspects at the International Criminal Court.

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The Assumption of the Office of the President Committee suggested the roles of the incoming Deputy President be clearly spelt out. They said the Deputy President would be idle since they would not head any ministry.