Midiwo wants to meet US travel ban recipients

By Ramadhan Rajab and John Oywa

One of the recipients of the US travel ban letters wants those who got the memos to meet and discuss the way forward.

Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo said the letters were reform driven and should be viewed positively.

"I have received the letter and find nothing wrong with it. My stand is clear that I support reforms," he said.

Midiwo: Ban letters in order

He added recipients of the travel warnings should meet and brainstorm, saying facts in the memos were in line with Kenyans’ wishes.

"We cannot hide forever and stall the institutional changes we are pursuing," Mr Midiwo told The Standard on the telephone.

Said he: "Since the letters are meant for the public good, there should be no secrecy."

Warning letters

The warning letters were sent to 15 officials, including Cabinet ministers, MPs, and PSs. Midiwo and Justice Minister Mutula Kilonzo have owned up to receiving them.

At the same time, Nyanza leaders want the US administration to exert more pressure on Kenya to speed up reforms.

MPs Olago Aluoch (Kisumu Town West), Shakeel Shabir (Kisumu Town East) and Fred Outa (Nyando) said the pressure was necessary.

They pledged to support US ambassador Michael Ranneberger’s reform campaigns both within and outside Parliament.

The MPs described Mr Ranneberger as a fearless fighter and a true friend whose commitment to change could liberate Kenya.

The MPs spoke at a Kisumu hotel where Aluoch hosted Ranneberger for dinner on Wednesday night.

Bishops Ogonyo Ngede of Power of Jesus Around the World and Linus Okok of the Catholic Church supported the sentiments.

Aluoch said America meant well for Kenya and urged Ranneberger to remain fearless in the push for reforms.

Ranneberger said critics would not cow him. "I have a lot of energy and I will continue to call for reforms," he added. He challenged the media to help champion reforms.

 

 

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