Envoy defends US gay position ahead of Obama visit

National Assembly Speaker Justine Muturi and US Ambassador to Kenya Robert Godec on July 2, 2015 during a celebration to mark America's 239th Independence Day Anniversary. PHOTO | CAROLINE WAFULA | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi who graced the occasion and represented the country's local leadership said Kenyans were eagerly looking forward to the visit that comes towards the end of the month.
  • The US Ambassador called on the Kenyan Government to protect the democratic space of the civil society sector and the freedom of the media.
  • On the gay debate, he defended the position taken by the US government including President Obama saying Kenyans should try to be more tolerant and accommodative of the gay community.

The US Embassy remained cagey on details of the forthcoming visit by President Barack Obama even as it hosted local and international dignitaries in a celebration to mark America's 239th Independence Day Anniversary on Thursday evening.

The US Ambassador to Kenya Mr Robert Godec told guests at the celebrations held at his residence that the programme detailing President Obama's visit was yet to be finalised.

He, however, said the US President was looking forward 'to returning to the home of his father'.

President Obama's grandmother Mrs Sarah Obama was among guests invited to the celebrations which kicked off at 6pm.

National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi who graced the occasion and represented the country's local leadership said Kenyans were eagerly looking forward to the visit that comes towards the end of the month.

Mr Muturi said the visit is expected to further strengthen existing cordial relations between the two countries.

Mr Godec said the Embassy was aware of the intense interest that Kenyans have on President Obama's visit and promised that it will soon release the necessary information.

"We are still working on the programme, as a matter of fact even his car has not arrived," he said.

"But you can be confident that the President's final programme will reflect his personal commitment and the Americans' people's commitment to Kenya, to Africa and to shared values," he added.

The US Ambassador called on the Kenyan Government to protect the democratic space of the civil society sector and the freedom of the media.

He asked the government to implement the Public Benefits Organisations (PBO) Act which has been pending and as well as adopt recommendations of the task force that looked into contentious issues around the Act which were raised by civil society groups in the country and other stakeholders.

"I encourage the government to keep the democratic space open to allow the civil society community to operate without any hindrances," he stated.

GAY RIGHTS

On the gay debate, he defended the position taken by the US government including President Obama saying Kenyans should try to be more tolerant and accommodative of the gay community.

He urged Kenyans 'to fully respect the rights of others.'

"Americans believe all people should be treated equally," he said later on at a press interview.

"I will encourage all Kenyans to look at what is happening ...I don't think anyone would want their rights to be breached or denied," he stated.