Has Obama envoy crossed Red line?

Business

By Standard Team

US Ambassador Michael Ranneberger fought off claims by 'Red' team he has taken sides in the raging referendum politics on a day he curiously received defectors from 'No' team.

Accused by Higher Education Minister William Ruto, who is leading the 'Red' team, of crossing the red-line or no-go-zone for foreign diplomats, Ranneberger argued he was operating within his diplomatic orbit – more so because the US is a friend of Kenya and is pro-reform.

US Ambassador to Kenya Michael Ranneberger maintains he is conducting civic education and US is Kenya’s friend.

But still the ‘No’ team claimed the envoy, who is the face of President Barack Obama’s administration in Kenya, argued he has thrown away diplomatic etiquette and was now an actor in the referendum politics.

By seemingly doing so, the ‘No’ team reacted in manner suggesting Ranneberger had crossed the forbidden line and encroached on what they could be seeing as their vote-basket. And more interestingly, Ruto and Ranneberger were in Kisii yesterday, although for a different mission and not quite far from each other.

But as the drama between the envoy and Ruto’s team unfolded, two claims stood out: The first was the claim by Ruto the envoy was dishing out money to MPs to lure them to support for ‘Yes’.

On the other hand, the ‘Yes’ team’s claim liberal American churches, particularly the pro-life groups, were secretly funnelling campaign money into the ‘No’ kitty.

Ruto asked the question again: What is Ranneberger’s interest in the bid to force down the throats of Kenyans what he called a ‘bad constitution?’

Rannegerger on his part dispelled accusations he was meddling with the constitutional review. He responded his Government was doing everything possible to ensure Kenyans understood the Proposed Constitution because they were allegedly being misled.

And to demonstrate the importance attached to the referendum by the US Government, Ranneberger received defectors from ’No’ camp. He also met pastors, religious leaders, and some members of the local ‘No’ secretariat who announced they were now going to support the draft law.

On Monday evening, Ranneberger disputed Ruto’s claim he had given each MP Sh200,000. He expressed regret politicians were using referendum campaigns to divide Kenyans instead of uniting them.

The US Government, Rannerberger pointed out, is supporting the constitutional review as the centerpiece of the broad reform agenda agreed to following the post-election crisis.

"There is no more important process for achieving the reforms set out in the National Accord than the constitutional review," he said.

Speaking at Mogonga Market in Gucha during a civic education meeting before he went to Kitale yesterday where he participated in another civic education programme at the local bus park, the envoy urged locals to vote ‘Yes’ during the referendum.

"As Kenya’s friend, we are giving our views and that is appropriate," he said. He distributed US President Barack Obama’s latest speech on Kenya’s reform process. The US President, through its envoy, has openly stated America will provide funding for civic education despite criticism by some politicians that US was supporting the ‘Yes’ campaign team.

Pointing out lies

Ranneberger maintained he was a friend of Kenya and would therefore not shy away from pointing out the lies being propagated by the ‘No’ team.

Separated by a few kilometers from another meeting, where Ruto was selling his views against the draft, the envoy promised to continue helping the push for reforms.

The American Ambassador again pointed out Obama was interested in ensuring the country embraces reforms to pave way for better governance, improved livelihood for citizens.

Higher Education Minister William Ruto led a campaign against the Proposed Constitution in Gucha South District. The ‘No’ team has accused the United States of dividing Kenyans. [PHOTO: MOSES OMUSULA/STANDARD]

In May, US President Barack Obama said he was following the constitutional review and was eager to see an end to impunity and to secure Kenya’s future.

Ranneberger in the past said: "President Obama is following developments in Kenya very closely, very closely indeed. A new constitution will strengthen democracy and prosperity by creating a framework to protect the interests of all Kenyans."

During his visit to Kenya last month, US Vice-President Joe Biden reinforced Obama’s sentiments he wanted to see a more prosperous Kenya.

Mr Obama had used an interview with the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation to urge Kenyans to seize "the moment" offered through the referendum on a new constitution to put the post-election violence behind them."

Decide wisely

Biden, however, clarified the US was not pushing for ‘Yes’ vote at the referendum, saying the decision to vote ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ was up to Kenyans themselves. But yesterday, Ranneberger urged Kenyans to guard against being misled by leaders, but to read the Proposed Constitution and decide wisely on their own. "The wind of change is blowing in Kenya and it is no longer easy for politicians to manipulate people. I have great faith in the Kenyan people and believe they will insist the reforms be carried out," the envoy said, in May while informing Kenyans Obama was following the reform process keenly.

But Ruto unleashed another verbal attack on Obama and Ranneberger, claiming their Government was not against gay and lesbian marriages. "I am speaking in English so that they can understand. I’m telling them from Kajiado this is a God-fearing country. We are not under duress or (accept) to be paid, they can spend us much money as they want, but we are not going to enact in this God-fearing country a constitution that legalises gay and lesbian marriages," said Ruto. "What is it that Ranneberger wants in this constitution, that he can go to great lengths of spending American taxpayers’ money to pay MPs to push this document through?" asked Ruto.

Ruto and Kuria MP Wilfred Machage wondered why ‘Americans were so much interested in having the Proposed Constitution passed. "He (Ranneberger) is an American. Why is he interested in the Kenyan constitution?" Ruto asked, at a rally in Suneka.

Convincing wananchi

He challenged Ranneberger to state his interest in the proposed law instead of traversing the country convincing wananchi to vote ‘Yes’ in the August 4 referendum. "He should stop giving us his skewed advice. What exactly is he interested in or supporting in the Proposed Constitution?" asked Ruto at another stop.

In June Obama, said on reforms in Kenya: "Well, I’m openly supporting the process. I’m not openly supporting the result," he said.

Adding: "I think it’s up to the Kenyan people to make a decision about the direction of their country, but as a great friend of Kenya and as President of the United States, I am hoping that the Kenyan people, through a process of self-determination, are able to take advantage of this moment."

Yesterday Ruto claimed it was an insult to Kenyans for the Obama administration to peg funding to Kenya on passing the new law.

But Ranneberger said if the Proposed Constitution was adopted, it would lead to prosperity.

The interdenominational church leaders led by Reverend David Mogere of the Christian Gospel Network claimed they had misinterpreted facts on the proposed law, hence their defection.

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