Mixed reactions greet Kibaki’s response to Obama

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By Mutinda Mwanzia and Elizabeth Mwai

President Kibaki’s protest letter to US President Barack Obama drew mixed reactions.

Water Minister Charity Ngilu said it was unfortunate the country’s top leadership was not ready to embrace reforms.

"It is unfortunate we don’t seem to be reading the signs of the times. We have forgotten what we went through during the last General Election," said Ngilu.

Political and legal analyst Paul Mwangi dismissed it as "escapism".

He said the President was trying to escape from addressing the real issue of reforms as the US Government clearly pointed out.

Mwangi said Kibaki’s message to the public was that he would do anything to protect anti-reformists.

Agriculture Assistant Minister Kareke Mbiuki supported Kibaki, saying the US was overstepping its mandate and was behaving like "an international prefect".

"We are a sovereign State and the US must stop its arrogance and let us govern ourselves without undue pressure," said the Nithi MP.

Mars Group director Mwalimu Mati said Kibaki should have addressed the nation instead of writing to Obama.

Former Kabete MP Paul Muite said the US played a key role in ensuring the country regained stability after the post-election violence and should not be dismissed.

"That’s why I feel the President had no business writing the protest letter and should instead have been grateful that the US was helping Kenya stop the culture of impunity," said Muite.

Lawyer Harun Ndubi accused President Kibaki of mischief.

Ndubi said what America has simply asked Kenyans to promote public policy, which has since been undermined and failed to serve the interest of Kenyans.

"The US was right to bar anybody from visiting the US this is a sign that it is a friend of Kenya and not a coloniser," Ndubi said.

PM’s support

Lands Minister James Orengo supported Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s assertion that the US is entitled to ban Kenyan leaders frustrating reforms.

"The US Government is entitled to take action against Kenyan leaders who have perpetuated impunity and are out to frustrate reforms, which majority of Kenyans have yearned for many years," said Orengo.

He said Obama’s stand on zero tolerance to corruption mirrored ODM’s war for good governance.

Hours before the President released the protest letter; Ranneberger had told The Standard on Sunday he would disclose those blacklisted in three to four weeks.

"When we do that I will announce the names of the banned individuals," said Rannerberger on telephone.

But yesterday, joint Government Chief Whip Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo confirmed receiving the letter terming it as "an encouraging letter to reforms".

"I see nothing wrong with the letter. US has a strong point on the need to accelerate reforms," said Jakoyo.

He said under the National Accord President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila committed themselves to moving forward the reform agenda.

"This is what the US is asking us to do. I see nothing wrong," said Jakoyo.

But speaking in Nakuru, Forestry and Wildlife Minister Noah Wekesa dismissed the move by the US.

"I have supported the move to ban those involved in corruption cases, but it is unfair to include those who are allegedly against reforms," he said.

He added: "We are committed to reforms within the Police, Judiciary and in the electoral process before the next elections."