US President Barrack Obama has on several occasions called President Uhuru Kenyatta over the ICC.
State House and Foreign Affairs sources told the Star that since his election, Uhuru has held discussions with Obama on “issues of mutual benefit” to the two countries.
“The ICC has featured in the discussions and also featured when the American Ambassador Robert Godec met the President at State House two weeks ago,” a senior government official said.
It also emerged that before meeting the President two weeks ago, Godec went to State House but only met the First Lady Margaret Kenyatta during those visits
Sources in the Kenyan diplomatic circles and the government said three issues may have pushed the US to change its position on the ICC.
On Wednesday US Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, Linda Greenfield, said the two governments are in talks in relation to Uhuru’s ICC trial scheduled for November 12.
The recent terrorist attack at the Westgate Mall appears to have renewed America’s interests in the fight against terrorism in the country.
“Unlike other Western powers, America appears to be looking at the bigger picture and protecting its geo-political interests through the country. The Westgate attack definitely raised concern as it now appears terrorists are targeting foreign interests,” a State House source said.
The US is said to be perceiving Uhuru as a president who is unapologetic about the country’s sovereignty and ready to fight for it under all costs.
Western diplomats have been watching Uhuru’s recent moves including skipping the UN General Assembly and his speech at the AU earlier this month.
“Uhuru has managed to rally African countries behind him and Kenya on the ICC. This renewed sense of Pan Africanism is definitely of interest and also concern for the rest of the world. Don’t forget about the China entry into Kenya,” a diplomatic source said.
- The-star
