US Government Officials Told to Keep Off Coast and Eastleigh

US Ambassador to Kenya Robert Godec

United States government officials are being told not to visit Nairobi 's mainly Somali Eastleigh area or any county on the Coast, the State Department said on Monday.

"Travel to these areas for US government personnel is limited to mission - essential trips," department spokeswoman Jen Psaki told reporters at a briefing in Washington.

The restrictions were put in place prior to the attack on Mpeketoni, but Ms Psaki did not provide a date for when the order was issued.

She said the US embassy in Nairobi "continues to be open for normal operations," adding, "we evaluate day by day security and any changes that need to take place."

The State Department had reduced staffing at the Nairobi embassy in response to terrorist incidents last month.

The US also on Monday condemned the slaughter in Mpeketoni "in the strongest terms," Ms Psaki said. 

- Daily Nation