WikiLeaks: Should the US recall Ranneberger?

President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga have reacted angrily to secret cables sent from the US Embassy in Nairobi now exposed by whistleblower organisation WikiLeaks, which portray the coalition government in bad light. Writer Vitalis Kimutai spoke to Mosop MP David Koech and his Migori counterpart John Pesa on their views.

YES: Mosop MP David Koech

QUESTION: Following the WikiLeaks reports should US envoy Michael Ranneberger be recalled to Washington?

Migori MP John Pesa

ANSWER: The Obama administration should recall Ranneberger as his activities have jeopardised relations between Kenya and the US. It should be noted that some of us have previously been uncomfortable with the envoy’s covert activities and I have issued a notice of censure Motion against him in Parliament.

QUESTION: In your opinion, was Ranneberger’s conspicuous absence during the national Jamhuri Day celebrations connected to the damning memos?

ANSWER: I do not know for sure. But like everyone else, I was surprised that he could miss such a function when he has previously been active in Government functions, especially national days.

QUESTION: Do you agree with the leaked reports that President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga are anti-reforms?

ANSWER: If the yardstick the US is using to measure whether one is a reformist or not includes singing to their tune, then I’m afraid that they have gotten it all wrong. Why should the two principals be forced by another state to undertake reforms that are not good for the country?

QUESTION: Is it true in your opinion that the entire Cabinet is corrupt?

ANSWER: I have not read the reports, but we have repeatedly pointed out that some people in Cabinet were engaged in corrupt malpractices and evidence to back that up has been brought forth.

QUESTION: What is your take on claims that the Kenyan Government, which has been pushing for peace in Southern Sudan has on the other hand been facilitating her to acquire arms?

ANSWER: That is a sensitive issue, but as the chairman of the Amani Forum in the Great Lakes Region, I wish to state that we have throughout been pushing for peace in Southern Sudan. But again, when the US calls for arrest of President Omar Al Bashir, it beats me whether they really want peace to prevail in that country.

QUESTION: How will the reports, most of which are yet to be released, affect the relationship between Kenya and the US?

ANSWER: We must bear in mind that the reports were compiled by an individual (Ranneberger) who in my opinion could be working for the downfall of the Obama administration. When did the envoy convert from being a Republican to a Democrat? To me the whole thing is meant to cause a strain between the two countries, especially with the US President having his roots in Kenya.

QUESTION: Is the Kenya Government right to claim that the US was funding youth groups with a view to destabilising the country by causing a revolt?

ANSWER: The truth of the matter is that the US government has funded NGOs and Community-Based Organisations in the name of conducting civic education when in the real sense, it is to insubordinate leaders and the Government.

Comment on the outbursts against Ranneberger by the two principals during the Jamhuri Day celebrations?

In my opinion, the position they took was justified because being the principals, they might be knowing more than other leaders and ordinary citizens as regards the memos. They have also risen up to defend the sovereignty of our country.

NO: Migori MP John Pesa

　

QUESTION: Following the WikiLeaks reports should US envoy Michael Ranneberger be recalled to Washington?

ANSWER: No. This country needs more of such whistleblowers. We need to be told what is happening in our Government as there is no transparency and information flow to the public is a big challenge even in matters that openness should prevail.

QUESTION: In your opinion was Ranneberger’s conspicuous absence during the national Jamhuri Day celebrations connected to the damning memos?

ANSWER: I do not know the reasons he had for skipping the function and I would not want to speculate on it.

QUESTION: Do you agree with the leaked reports that President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga are anti-reforms?

ANSWER: This is a Coalition Government and clearly there are factors that are hampering reform efforts in the country. But on the other hand, the principals need to show leadership in this process and ensure that reforms are moving in the right direction and all the timelines are met.

QUESTION: Is it true in your opinion that the entire Cabinet is corrupt?

ANSWER: I do not think so, though I do not have the barometer to measure that. There could be some rotten eggs in the Cabinet, but it is not right to make blanket accusations on issues pertaining to corruption.

QUESTION: What is your take on claims that the Kenyan Government, which has been pushing for peace in Southern Sudan, has on the other hand been facilitating her to acquire arms?

ANSWER: It is an unfortunate scenario. It is a case of double standards and we need to own up that that is the truth. We should not go into a state of denial even in obvious matters like that.

QUESTION: How will the reports, most of which are yet to be released, affect the relationship between Kenya and the US?

ANSWER: Kenyans must look at the two sides of the coin. It is a fact that we need house cleaning in Government, but the relationship between the two countries should be safeguarded.

QUESTION: Is the Kenyan Government right to claim that the US was funding youth groups with a view to destabilising the country by causing a revolt?

ANSWER: No. That was a wild statement as the US government has only been involved in empowering youths at the grassroots. As a country we need donor funds to trickle down to the people and help in alleviating poverty.