US lifts Mombasa travel advisory

The United States has lifted its travel ban on Mombasa but asked its citizens to remain vigilant, outgoing US ambassador to Kenya Scott Gration said Tuesday.

The ambassador said that American staff, who had left Mombasa following the advisory, are now back to their work stations. He, however, added that this did not mean that the threat by terrorists had diminished.

“US government officials working in Kenya are now working in Mombasa. It doesn’t mean that the threats have been diminished. We are still urging people to continue working and travelling with extreme vigilance. But the advisory that prevented people from going there has now been lifted,” Major General (rtd) Gration said.

He was speaking at his Nairobi residence where he hosted US citizens to celebrate their country’s 236th Independence Day.

For the first time, the ambassador came out publicly to talk about his sudden resignation just a year after he was appointed the Kenyan ambassador.

He said he would not comment on the actual reasons why he had decided to quit but “the truth” would soon set him free.

“A time comes to move on and so I moved on in a way that respected my reputation and my dignity. I will continue to serve as the ambassador until the end of the month and do my very best to protect Americans, America’s interests and to promote our values. And that is what President Obama asked me to do,” Mr Gration said.

He also refused to comment on speculation that he had fallen out with the embassy staff and this was one of the reasons why he had decided to quit. He said that having spent over 30 years of his life in the military, he was ready to do anything for the sake of his country.

“I spent 32 years of my life and was ready to die as a military man. I spent my 32 years in the military defending the rights of people to have freedom of speech and to express their opinions. Some people have done that, I respect them. We will live with it. Eventually the truth will come out and the truth shall set me free” Mr Gration said.

In his address, Mr Gration urged Kenyans to consider the challenges to be faced ahead of the elections and the devolution as an opportunity to develop Kenya. He added that America would continue to support Kenya in all its endeavours.

“Let us focus on unity and peace, on liberty and justice. Let us remember that the reforms in Kenya including devolution are for the purpose and benefits of creating a stronger and more united republic of Kenya for all Kenyans."