US not happy with Raila's move not to participate in the elections

A US State Department official has said that America respects but regrets Nasa leader Raila Odinga's intention to not take part in the October 26 repeat presidential election."We respect Raila and Kalonzo’s decision to withdraw from the Kenyan election scheduled for October 26 but we regret their decision to do so. The United States does not back any party or candidate in Kenya," the official told the Daily Nation on Thursday, October 12. "We remain committed to supporting a free, fair and credible election that is consistent with the Kenyan Constitution, current laws and institutions."The United States has been vocal on the Kenyan political happenings since the Supreme Court ruling on Friday, September 1, that nullified Uhuru’s victory.In one of their most recent communications, US Ambassador Robert Godec said that America was worried about Jubilee’s push for change of electoral laws with just days to the election.US also urged Kenya's security forces not to use "unnecessary force" after police said they shot and killed two opposition protesters amid demonstrations for election reforms.In an AP interview in London, Odinga says it is up to the government and electoral commission. "If they're ready to do business and deal, we are ready to jump in the field."Odinga also says the government is acting illegally by deploying police to stop opposition supporters from demonstrating in the central business districts of Kenya's three largest cities.Although Kenya's 2013 election was mainly peaceful, the country plunged into widespread violence in the aftermath of the 2007 vote. More than 1,000 people were killed in months of bloodshed after Odinga -- defeated by then-President Mwai Kibaki -- claimed the vote was rigged.