MPs want Iranian envoy out

Three MPs have accused the Iranian ambassador to Kenya of trying to irregularly influence the release of two of his countrymen convicted of terrorism-related charges.

They said Dr Hadi Farajvand's actions flouted international treaties and the Kenyan Constitution. They said the envoy should be recalled if found culpable.

MPs Charles Kilonzo (Yatta), Richard Tongi (Nyaribari Chache), and Dido Ali Rasso (Saku) claimed the envoy was using unorthodox means to secure the release of Ahmad Abolfathi Mohammed and Sayed Mansour Mousa, who were arrested in June 2012 and convicted of smuggling explosives into the country.

The MPs accused the envoy of overstepping his mandate and engaging in undiplomatic activities in the disguise of diplomatic immunity.

Speaking at Parliament buildings, the National Assembly Committee on Defence and Foreign Relations Committee members asked the Kenyan Government to take action on the envoy.

Secure freedom

They urged Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Monica Juma to rein in the envoy for seeking to secure the freedom of the two convicts.

“The most serious one is the allegation of the ambassador being engaged in compromising key government officials to ensure that Ahmad Abolfathi Mohammed and Sayed Mansour Mousa are set free,” claimed Yatta MP.

Mr Kilonzo alleged that officials from the ministry and the Judiciary had been compromised to free the convicts.

“The ambassador’s actions shine a negative light on legitimate Iranian interests in Kenya and risk ruining the good relationships the two countries have enjoyed so far,” said Kilonzo.

The legislators warned ambassadors against interfering in host countries' affairs. “The ministry should unearth these wrongdoings and Dr Juma should act on the matter. If found culpable, the envoy should be made to leave,” said Rasso.