Nairobi slams travel warning by Washington

The ministry explained that terrorism was not a Kenyan problem but a challenge that affected the entire world/FILE

The Foreign Affairs and International Trade Ministry described it as unfair and asked America to reverse the advisory, moments after the US State of Department issued the caution.

“We have noted, with grave concern, the 27 September 2013 re-issuing by the US government of the 5 July 2013 travel advisory to Kenya. We wish to unequivocally condemn the re-issuing of the travel advisory, and reject it as unnecessary and uncalled for,” the ministry stated.

It explained that terrorism was not a Kenyan problem but a challenge that affected the entire world.

The ministry noted that the US itself was a victim, in reference to the September 11, 2001 attack.

According to the ministry, Kenya was expecting support following the Westgate mall attack that left people from different nationalities dead and injured.

“We have made these points clear to the United States government through the usual diplomatic channels. Issuing travel advisories, such as this one, is not what we expect of our friends with whom we have enjoyed cordial diplomatic relations for a long time. We expect support from our friends,” the government complained.

In its advisory on Saturday, the US urged its citizens to be wary as it had received information that there would be further attacks in Nairobi and the Kenyan coast.

It also warned US citizens over travels especially to North Eastern Kenya which has frequently been attacked.

It warned that there were terrorists who are still free and are likely to carry further attacks.

The US cited Kenya’s invasion to Somalia as one of the main reason for the attacks by the Al Shabaab terror group.

However, the US Department of State said other tourist areas were safe but prone to smaller crimes of carjacking and robberies.

Last Sunday, President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga pleaded with the international community not to issue travel advisories.

However, their plea was ignored by the US.

About The Author

JUDIE KABERIA

Judie, an Associate Editor has worked as a journalist in Kenya and Germany. She has a Master’s Degree in New Media, Governance and Democracy, University of Leicester (U.K). She has scooped 10 journalistic awards. She has participated in international conferences in Germany, Switzerland, United States and Netherlands. Judie has written a booklet, ‘Justice and Peace in the Kenyan Eye’. She has a soft spot for human rights, crime, peace and justice stories.

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