The statement issued by Heather Nauert, Department Spokesperson, said: “We reject actions that undermine Kenya’s Constitution and the rule of law.
The statement added: “Uhuru Kenyatta was elected as President of the Republic of Kenya on October 26, 2017 in a poll that was upheld by Kenya’s Supreme Court.
“Grievances must be resolved through appropriate legal mechanisms.”
The U.S. commended the restraint shown by security forces and urge them to continue to refrain from any unnecessary or excessive use of force.
The U.S. said any arrests and prosecutions must be made in full accordance with the rule of law and demonstrate transparent due process.
Raila Odinga takes oath as people’s president of Kenya
The statement added: “We urge all Kenyans to reject violence and hatred. Protesters have a right to assemble peacefully, to express their views freely, and to hold opinions without interference.
“We are also deeply concerned by the Government’s action to shut down, intimidate, and restrict the media.
“Freedom of expression, including for members of the media, is essential to democracy and is enshrined in Kenya’s Constitution.”
The U.S. urged the Government and all Kenyans to respect freedom of expression and implement court orders calling for the restoration of television broadcasts.
The U.S. further said: “We again urge Kenyan leaders and citizens to begin a national conversation to build cohesion and address long-standing issues.
“The U. S. continues to support efforts by religious, business, and civil society leaders to begin this conversation in the near future and calls on everyone to participate in this endeavour.
“The U. S. stands firmly with the people of Kenya; it is only Kenyans who can find a way to resolve their differences and chart the destiny of this great country.”
Meanwhile, a Kenyan lawyer present at the symbolic “swearing in” of opposition leader Odinga was arrested on Friday, the opposition coalition said.
Miguna Miguna was taken from his Nairobi home to a police station, the National Super Alliance coalition wrote on its Twitter feed.
An Odinga ally, Miguna has declared himself a leader of the opposition’s National Resistance Movement, which the government on Wednesday declared a criminal group.
He had stood beside Odinga on Tuesday at the symbolic presidential inauguration, which the government has called an “illegal act” that put the lives of thousands of Kenyans at risk.
Police spokesman, Charles Owino, did not answer his phone when called for comment on the arrest.
It follows the arrest on Wednesday of an opposition lawmaker who administered Odinga’s “oath”.
He was freed on bond on Thursday.
The government took three private television channels off the air on Tuesday as they began to cover of the opposition ceremony.
They remained off the air on Friday at 0730 GMT in spite of a court order on Thursday that overturned the government-ordered shutdown.
The government was not served with the court order on Thursday afternoon because of a delay at the court registrar’s office, Okiya Omtatah, an activist who filed the High Court case and won the lifting of the suspension, told Reuters.
Omtah said: “As soon as we serve the order this morning I expect the stations to be back on. If not they’ll (the government) be in contempt of court.”
“It’s an abuse of power,” Omtatah said, of the government’s shutdown of the channels. “The laws are clear. That’s why the court ruled as they did”.
Odinga says the 2017 elections, won by President Uhuru Kenyatta, were rigged.