Kenyan Ambassador to South Sudan on Monday refuted criticism against President Uhuru Kenyatta for red carpet reception of SPLM/A in opposition leader at Nairobi State House, saying the house is permanently red carpeted for everybody.
Ambassador Cleland Leshore told CRN that Nairobi State House has permanent red carpets all over for 24 hours throughout the year for everybody to step on.
He made the clarification after South Sudan Presidential Press Secretary Ateny Wek Ateny told the media that red carpet reception of Dr Riek Machar was an insult to President Salva Kiir, undermining legitimate government.
The Kenyan diplomat pointed out that Dr Machar was not given special red carpet during his six days visit to Kenya.
Ambassador Leshore also downplayed recent alleged detention of 100 South Sudanese in Nakuru town of Kenya as an exaggeration by the media.
He said some South Sudanese like other nationals rounded up by police were released immediately according to reports he gathered from Kenyan police authorities.
Kenya is a second home to many South Sudanese regardless of differences in political affiliation.