US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Johnnie Carson talks to the media on Oct. 26 at the US ambassador's residence in Nairobi.

The United States has revoked the visa of a senior Kenyan government official whom it considers to be an obstacle to key reforms.

On Monday, US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Johnnie Carson described the official as being too influential, adding that he had “obstructed the reform process, failed to end the cycle of impunity, and has been an obstacle in the fight against corruption.”

Although he did not name the official, he hinted that he has been in government service for more than 20 years and added that the US is considering similar action against three other senior officials, the Press TV correspondent in Nairobi reported on Monday.

“President Obama's position is clear. We will maintain and steadily increase pressure for implementation and we will not do business as usual with those who do not support reform or who support violence,” Carson stated.

A month earlier, Washington issued a list of 15 top Kenyan government officials, including cabinet ministers, members of parliament, permanent secretaries, and other prominent personalities, whom it accused of blocking the implementation of the country's long-awaited reform agenda.

Kenya, a vital ally of US policy in the East Africa region, has been under pressure ever since the formation of the coalition government more than one and a half years ago after the post-election violence, which claimed the lives of more than 1,300 people.

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