Diplomacy row between US, Kenya intensifies

By Peter Opiyo and George Olwenya

Kenya and the US appeared locked in a diplomatic row over the latter’s threat to ban 15 top public officials from setting foot in the foreign nation.

Foreign Affairs Minister Moses Wetang’ula has summoned US Ambassador Michael Ranneberger over the travel ban.

Mr Ranneberger is expected to meet Mr Wetang’ula today to "further discuss" the matter that threatens to erupt into a diplomatic row.

Wetang’ula, who jetted on Monday morning from a week’s tour of the US to attend the UN General Assembly, supported President Kibaki’s protest letter to Washington.

The minister said Kenya had options under the Vienna Convention, which guides diplomatic conduct.

"I have no doubt the US is overstepping the boundaries of protocol and diplomatic mandate and that Kenya has options," said Wetang’ula without further clarification.

Under the Vienna Convention Kenya may notify Washington that her representative — Michael Ranneberger — is a persona non-grata, a move that would make US recall him.

In an extreme scenario, Kenya may choose to cut ties with the US.

But Lands Minister James Orengo has told Kenyans not to take lightly US President Barack Obama’s move to bar anti-reformists from entering the country. Mr Orengo said although Kibaki had written a protest note to Obama over the matter, there was no shortcut to democracy.

"Those who do not believe in change will soon be swept away. The US Government’s action was a tip of the ice berg," declared Orengo.

The minister defended the Obama administration on the move to bar 15 Government officials from entering US, saying the standard of democracy was universal and is gauged by the best practices as far as good governance is concerned.

"What is good for America is good for Kenya. The country’s leadership cannot ignore the fact that change is inevitable," said Orengo.

Orengo was speaking during a fund raiser in his Ugenya constituency on Sunday.

Last week, Ranneberger said 15 letters, written by US Assistant Secretary for African Affairs Johnnie Carson, were sent to Cabinet ministers, MPs and top civil servants, stating they face travel bans given their lacklustre performance on reforms.

Opinion has remained divided with some supporting a position taken by Prime Minister Raila Odinga that the US administration was right to push for reforms.

But Wetang’ula avoided commenting on the differing opinions, saying: "I don’t know what the PM has said. I am familiar with the President’s letter."

He termed the travel ban as "meaningless" arguing that travel visas are granted on the basis of needs. He added that the US is obliged to give visas to anybody going to the UN headquarters in New York.

 

 

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