Britain not pushing for a regime change: Envoy

President Uhuru Kenyatta in talks with British High Commissioner to Kenya, Dr Christian Turner who called on him at State House, Nairobi on 30 April, 2013. PHOTO: FILE 

In Summary

• The envoy added that Britain invited President Kenyatta to London for the Somalia conference in May last year, a proof that the West had nothing sinister against his government.
• The envoy was addressing guests during the Queen’s birthday at his residence in Muthaiga on Thursday.

By Nation Correspondent
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Britain has denied allegations that it is after change of government in Kenya.

 

British High Commissioner Christian Turner said his government was the first to congratulate President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto after last year’s elections.

The envoy added that Britain invited President Kenyatta to London for the Somalia conference in May last year, a proof that the West had nothing sinister against his government.

Noting Britain was Kenya’s oldest partner, Dr Turner said his country was willing and ready to work with the present democratically elected administration until 2017, when fresh elections will be held.

The envoy was addressing guests during the Queen’s birthday at his residence in Muthaiga on Thursday.

He, however, noted the government should allow for a strong Opposition, space for civil society, a free media, respect for human rights, fight impunity, roll out devolution, tackle corruption and implement Constitution.

“Our governments have shown shared resolve to end poaching, and stop economic and security threats that come with international wildlife crime,” Dr Turner noted. On the closure of the consular office in Mombasa and travel advisories, the envoy said the measure should not affect game parks and safari destinations.

“Our level of advice for Nairobi, or for Kenya’s wonderful national parks and safari destinations has not changed for two years,” he said.

The envoy said only 300 tourists from the UK had been evacuated on the advice of their tour company, but 25,000 other Britons remained in Kenya.

The High Commissioner said his country was also not involved in competition between the East and West, adding, Britain welcomed and was even excited about increased Chinese investment in Kenya.

“This is not a cold war or the Great Game of the 19th century. This is a multi-polar world where all countries benefit from a rise in foreign investments,” he said.

The envoy also stated that Britain would not abandon Kenya in the face of terrorism, adding that the attack at Mpeketoni had hardened resolve to work with Kenya in tackling the threat.

“We are committed to strengthening Kenya’s capacity to counter this shared threat through assistance on investigating, prosecuting and detaining terrorists.”