US secretary of state John Kerry has said that United States is committed to ensure that the mission of AMISOM in Somalia is completed. Addressing the press today afternoon after meeting President Uhuru Kenyatta, he added that Somalia national forces need to be strengthened in order to counter Al Shabaab, “Somalia national forces need to be strengthened,” he said.
He further urged countries in the region to take responsibility and help AMISOM to complete its’ mission since terrorism affects the whole region.
On the election issue, Kerry said that it is critical to conduct free and fair elections. He said he understands that it is important to have free and fair elections. “It is important to bring together the business community and everyone in society because they are crucial in ensuring that the election process is free and fair,” he said. He also said that the Kenyans should avoid hate speech in politics.
He further said that the country must have a fair electoral board to conduct general elections, adding that the United States will help fund general elections. He also encouraged the full participation of both women and youth during next year’s general elections.
His sentiments were echoed by Foreign Affairs cabinet secretary Amina Mohammed who said that no Kenyan is ready to go back to what the country experienced in 2007 and the country will ensure that we have a credible election.
On South Sudan issue, Kerry said that deployment of security forces is not an intervention move but a protection strategy to protect innocent civilians and those working on peace mission. “Having security officers deployed in South Sudan is not an intervention but protection to the civilians,” he said.
He further said that a hybrid court had been formed to hold accountable those committing acts against humanity.
