US Secretary of State John Kerry in Kenya

US Secretary of State John Kerry visits 1998 bombing site, consoles survivors




By AGGREY MUTAMBO


US Secretary of State John Kerry Monday consoled the survivors of the 1998 bombing of the US embassy in Nairobi.

Speaking at the August 7th Memorial Park in Nairobi, Mr Kerry, who arrived in Kenya from Sri Lanka on Sunday, said the terrorists who attacked the embassy in 1998 "lost utterly."

"Let me be clear: the terrorists who struck on August 7th 1998 failed utterly in their purpose.

"They failed for the same reason that terrorists will always fail," he said.

He said the aim of the terrorists was to instil fear in the hearts of Kenyans.

"We do not have the power to reverse the fact that people lost their lives, but we have the power to fight back," said Mr Kerry.

He talked with some of the survivors of the bombing which claimed the lives of 213 Kenyans and 10 US nationals. Another 4000 people were injured in the blast.

"I have no words to express the sorrow for the lives lost.

"It is with deep sadness that I lay a wreath dedicated to the many Kenyans and Americans who perished," Mr Kerry told the survivors.

He called for concerted efforts in fighting acts of terrorism.

Kerry consoles 1998 bombing survivors - News | Daily Nation

Ama kweli USA ni taifa bab kubwa.

Kila nchi ambayo viongozi wa Marekani wanatembelea lazima iwe big deal.

Nyani Ngabu said:

Ama kweli USA ni taifa bab kubwa.

Kila nchi ambayo viongozi wa Marekani wanatembelea lazima iwe big deal.

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Tumekusikia MmareTanza

Maziku Masunga Jr. said:

Mhh hivi utaratibu wa kiserikali ulizingatiwa.?? Maana kama upinzani umepata fursa sana kuliko uongozi wa kiserikali uliopo madarakani. Ab-Titchaz taratibu za Kenya zipo vipi hasa katika ugeni wa kitaifa.

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Alianza na opposition jamaa tulia uhuru a upload za jubilee hii ni corded

US Secretary of State John Kerry arrived in Kenya on Sunday(03/05/2015) for talks on security cooperation and ahead of US President Barack Obama’s visit to his late father’s home country.

The trip to the east African nation is the first high-level visit since 2012, and comes after years of tensions surrounding Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta being charged by the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity.

The ICC has since abandoned the case against Kenyatta over his alleged role in the 2007-2008 post-election violence, citing a lack of evidence and Kenya’s failure to cooperate – somewhat removing Kenyatta’s pariah status.

“We’ve had a long relationship with Kenya that goes back more than 50 years, and we have had continuous economic and cultural ties with the Kenyans, and this has never ended. So this trip is not about making amends,” a State Department official said.

“It’s about reinforcing and deepening the relationship that we have had with Kenya, and it’s also partially in preparation for President Obama’s trip that’s going to take place at the end of July.”

Kerry arrived from Sri Lanka on Sunday afternoon, and leaves on Tuesday, He is lined up for talks with Kenyatta and other senior officials.

The fight against Somalia’s Al-Qaeda-linked Shebab militants will feature high on the agenda, with Kenya struggling to stop increased cross-border attacks by the militants even though it has thousands of troops in southern Somalia.

Last month Shebab gunmen massacred close to 150 people, mostly students, in a raid on Garissa University in Kenya’s northeast.

The raid followed a string of other massacres in the northeast and Muslim-majority coastal areas, and after the September 2013 siege of the Westgate shopping mall in Nairobi which left at least 67 dead.

“We think the Kenyans are doing their best. Fighting terrorism is tough, and particularly fighting it in this region is very tough,” the State Department official said.

“Kenya has been the victims of multiple attacks – the Garissa attack starkly illustrated the extent to which al-Shebab can have an impact on innocent civilians. And so we will be looking at additional ways that we may be able to support the Kenyan efforts to fight al-Shebab.”

Diplomats said Kerry would nevertheless raise human rights issues with Kenyatta, whose government has been accused of clamping down on civil society groups and the press.

The top US diplomat will also meet Kenyan opposition leaders and rights activists.

“We continue to express our concerns to the Kenyan government. The ICC case against President Kenyatta has ended, but we have also continued to say that the issues that came out of that election must be addressed,” the US official said.

“We will be meeting with civil society organisations. We will be encouraging the Kenyans to look at their civil society laws and to ensure that their laws are not putting undue pressure on civil society... We will be encouraging the government to respect civil society, to also respect the rights of the press,” the official added.

Sources:AFP

The United States has asked Kenya not to close the Dadaab Refugee Camp because the "fundamental problems" in Somalia are still unresolved.

On Monday evening, US Secretary of State John Kerry announced an additional Sh4 billion ($45 million) for refugees programmes in Kenya, but asked the government to help stabilise Somalia first before refugees can return.

"I know some people here feel it is a burden… it is completely understandable; but on the other hand it shows that Kenya has accepted people who are running away from terror in their countries.

"The key is to accelerate efforts to have a plan in place for the ability of refugees, not just in Dadaab but in all refugee camps, to be able to return home in a voluntary manner in dignity and safety," he told a news conference in Nairobi.

Mr Kerry's comments was a response to a directive issued last month when Deputy President William Ruto told the UN refugee agency UNHCR relocate refugees to Somalia in 90 days.

The directive was contested by both aid and human rights organisations, citing continual violence in Somalia and violation of international laws. Mounting pressure led the government to announce that the relocation would only happen in collaboration with UNHCR and the Somalia government.

However, the government insisted that Mr Ruto's announcement would remain the "bottom line".

REMAIN OPEN

On Monday, Mr Kerry said he had discussed the issue with President Uhuru Kenyatta who he argued had "agreed" for the need to stabilise Somalia first. The diplomat also met with UNHCR officials and spoke to some of the Dadaab refugees via Skype.

"I am confident that Dadaab will remain open while we work through a plan on how people will be able to go home, by doing our job and finishing our task in Somalia and in South Sudan.

"What the pressure of the refugee situation is doing is reminding everybody of the need to accelerate efforts to solve the underlying fundamental problems so people can go back to their homes in peace," Mr Kerry said.

He was referring to the ongoing African Union Mission in Somalia (Amisom) of which the Kenya Defence Forces are part. The Mission is expected to stabilise Somalia and is supported financially by the European Union and the US.

Although there has been debate in Kenya over whether troops should pull out, Mr Kerry argued Kenya "is a leader of the team" and its troops should remain in Somalia.

"Kenya will be safer if Somalia is stable, Kenya should be proud. Obviously they (Kenyans) want an end to it and we all want an end to it, but one thing I have learnt is that Amisom needs a boost," he argued.

"I do hope that Kenyans can be little patient… and I think the exit strategy needs to be a success."

CONTINUED ATTACKS

The debate on troops has been influenced by continued attacks by Al-Shabaab on Kenyan soil. For example, despite KDF capturing Kismayu in September 2012, there have been more than 130 attacks in Kenya.

But government officials have claimed that terrorists are being harboured in Dadaab. The camp, which at one time hosted up to 450,000 refugees, has been in existence since 1991 when the Somali government collapsed.

On Monday, Mr Kerry said Kenya should concentrate on stabilising Somalia and strengthening counter-terrorism mechanisms as a better way at helping refugees return home.

"Refugee camps are supposed to be temporary, not permanent cities in foreign countries," he said.

Dadaab currently hosts up to 335,000 refugees - larger than the population of Nakuru town - with most from Somalia but others are from DR Congo and Ethiopia.

Kakuma Refugee Camp in Turkana County ,on the other hand, hosts refugees mainly from South Sudan which has been experiencing violence since 2013.


Source: mobile.nation.co.ke

bagamoyo

It isnt an order, it is a request for the Kenyan govt to put on hold the repartriation process. The urge came even with the financial pledge to aid the refugees and the US assistance to help combat terrorism.

They surely cant use coercion to make us do things against our wish, especially now that Kenya depends on them a little for financial aid and with Kenya's increased relations with China.
Such outright dictation from outside wouldnt be acceptable.

Kenya has been urged to concentrate its efforts in stabilising Somalia before it can pull its troops out of the war torn country.

Visiting US Secretary of State John Kerry said Kenya cannot withdraw its military from Somalia just yet, pointing out that the role the forces are playing is critical in ensuring stability in the Horn of Africa nation.

"We need the exit strategy, but it needs to be a success and we need a clearer sense of how the success will come," Kerry said.

He stressed that the exit strategy needed to be carefully thought out to ensure it did not create more problems for Kenya.

"Somalia is making progress; Al Shabaab is being beaten back and is being pushed back and the political system is coming alive again," said Kerry.

"Kenya will be safe if Somalia is more stable, Kenya will safer if South Sudan can resolve its problems; Kenya will be safer if there aren't more refuges pouring around the border because those communities cannot pull themselves together," he added.

He added that the United States was willing to work with Kenya to ensure peace was restored in the neighbouring countries saying they would increase funding to the African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM) to ensure they had all the necessary assets to accomplish their mission.

He said cooperation between the United States and Kenya had seen them spend over $645 million in the fight against terror adding that this year alone, they had donated $100 million.

"We are deeply engaged in trying to help Kenya. We are working in border security, intelligence sharing, law enforcement and capacity building. We provide equipment to key sections in the military," he added.

"This is not just a challenge to Kenya, it is a challenge for the whole world… we have to do better in this regard."

He intimated that in the next few weeks Kenya will host a counter violence extremism summit bringing together experts from all over the world to come up with strategies of depleting the pool of future terrorists.

He however maintained that even as the fight against terror takes shape, Kenya should be careful not to infringe on human rights in the process in apparent reference to statements by government officials proposing the closure of the Dadaab refugee camp.

Kerry expressed hope that the camp will remain open until the situation in Somalia is contained further sympathising with Kenya over the challenges brought about by the growing number of refugees who are now threatening the country's security.

He urged the government to accelerate efforts in coming up with a plan for the repatriation of the refugees in a manner that does not go against the refugees rights.

"We have to resolve the underlying problem so that people can go back to their homes in peace. I leave here with a much greater awareness of the challenge, a much more immediate sense of the urgency and a much more commitment to work with the International partners to finish the work and relieve the burden to the people of Kenya," he added.

Earlier in the day he met Opposition leaders Raila Odinga, Kalonzo Musyoka and Senator Moses Wetangula at the Serena Hotel.

He said this was to ensure he gathered divergent views from Kenyans ahead of the July visit by US President Barack Obama.

Source: capitalfm.co.ke

hbuyosh said:

It isnt an order, it is a request for the Kenyan govt to put on hold the repartriation process. The urge came even with the financial pledge to aid the refugees and the US assistance to help combat terrorism.

They surely cant use coercion to make us do things against our wish, especially now that Kenya depends on them a little for financial aid and with Kenya's increased relations with China.
Such outright dictation from outside wouldnt be acceptable.

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Man, be sensible yaani deputy President wa Kenya aliapa kuwa lazima wakimbizi wafurushwe toka Dadaab kwa sababu Kenya imechoka kupigwa kila siku na magaidi toka ktk kambi ya wakimbizi, sasa kimebadilika nini serikali ya Kenya kubadili msimamo uliokuwa na maslahi kwa ulinzi na usalama wa taifa la Kenya?! Quote : In short, Mr Kerry was telling the Kenyan government to forget about the 90-day notice it gave the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) last month to relocate the camp. source: Why Dadaab is still a long way from closure - News | Daily Nation

Low blow
All I see is 45mn$ housing development for refugees who will move out and leave the 42m$ worth if properties in Kenya
NEXT HATER?

bagamoyo said:

Man, be sensible yaani deputy President wa Kenya aliapa kuwa lazima wakimbizi wafurushwe toka Dadaab kwa sababu Kenya imechoka kupigwa kila siku na magaidi toka ktk kambi ya wakimbizi, sasa kimebadilika nini serikali ya Kenya kubadili msimamo uliokuwa na maslahi kwa ulinzi na usalama wa taifa la Kenya?! Quote : In short, Mr Kerry was telling the Kenyan government to forget about the 90-day notice it gave the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) last month to relocate the camp. source: Why Dadaab is still a long way from closure - News | Daily Nation

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I repeat, it was a solemn request by John Kerry for the Kenyan govt to halt the planned repartiation of the refugees, forget The Nations interpretation of the of the Sec. of state's remarks.

He hasnt 'ordered' the govt, he cant do that. He has only pleaded with the govt not to make good the thread.

Bulldog

Kenya bado itakuwa koloni machoni mwako hadi ukomae uweze kutathmini siasa kwa taswira ifaao

you need an american to have that stand, otherwise by yourselves you were going to quit. KDF are babies on the face of the shabaabs. i always feel sorry of you and your president.

Dhuks said:

Kenya bado itakuwa koloni machoni mwako hadi ukomae uweze kutathmini siasa kwa taswira ifaao

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Leo hii Muingereza akisema anakuja kuitawala tena Kenya mtashangilia na kutangaza public holiday

Bulldog said:

Leo hii Muingereza akisema anakuja kuitawala tena Kenya mtashangilia na kutangaza public holiday

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Mmmmh let me see
Human rights itakuwa improved
Pesa itaongezeka
Maisha itakuwa mema
Security itakuwa noma
Mbona isikuwe public holiday
Do u even know the definition of a country or a state?
A group of communities
Who come together for a shared destiny
Kama muingereza anataka kuwa na shared destiny moja na mm mkenya kuona maisha mema na kuna chakula na kuilinda mchanga yangu mbona nisishangilie..... Dunia ni yetu yote kama hauna notice
Countries are teaming up together
USA EU SOVIET UNION RUSSIA AFRICA UNION
SASA KUNA UNITED NATION
IN 1000YRS there will only be one country on earth and that is a United Earth
Soma aim ya UN tena

Hute said:

you need an american to have that stand, otherwise by yourselves you were going to quit. KDF are babies on the face of the shabaabs. i always feel sorry of you and your president.

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Not true, al shabaab are cowards.

John Kerry bwana, kwama yuko Serious na suala la Somalia kwa nini aleti wanajeshi wa Merikani Somalia kupigana na Al- Shabaab ili Jeshi la Kenya nalo lipate muda lwa kupumua kidogo.

Bukyanagandi said:

John Kerry bwana, kwama yuko Serious na suala la Somalia kwa nini aleti wanajeshi wa Merikani Somalia kupigana na Al- Shabaab ili Jeshi la Kenya nalo lipate muda lwa kupumua kidogo.

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Kenya is handling harakhat al shabaab very well. You may ask Nonda bin FaizaFoxy