The United States Government says NASA leader Raila Odinga is welcome to visit the country anytime, quashing reports by sections of the media that he was denied a visa.
According to Daily Nation, a State Department Official said the reports are false.
“It is our understanding that nothing prevents Raila Odinga from getting on a plane and flying to the United States,” he told Daily Nation.
The reports that Raila was denied a visa to the US was first broken by State House Director for Digital and Diaspora communication, Dennis Itumbi.
In a facebok post on Tuesday, Itumbi posted: “NB: Raila denied entry into USA, he had planned to go to New York for 10 days, Visa denied. Interesting times…”
Commenting on Kenya’s current political situation, the official expressly said they “respect but regret” Raila’s decision to withdraw from the race.
“We respect the right of NASA presidential candidate Raila Odinga and deputy presidential candidate Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka to withdraw from the Kenyan election scheduled for October 26, but we regret their decision to do so.”
Raila announced his withdrawal from the race on Tuesday.
He said he has no faith in IEBC delivering a free, fair and credible poll.
However, the official reiterated that the US is not backing any particular candidate.
“We remain committed to supporting a free, fair and credible election that is consistent with Kenya’s Constitution, current laws, and institutions,” he added.