US ban: It wasn’t me, says Ruto

By Mutinda Mwanzia

Agriculture Minister William Ruto has said he has not received any letter from the United States of America slapping a permanent travel ban on him.

A defiant Ruto said he would not speculate which Cabinet minister the US Government had banned, adding the country had a right to deny or allow entry to anyone.

"In fact, it is absurd to be in a country where one is not welcome," said Ruto.

The US on Tuesday started implementing its tough rules on corruption by slapping the ban on an unnamed Cabinet minister.

The US Ambassador to Kenya Michael Ranneberger delivered the stern Amessage and said the corrupt must be held accountable.

Mr Ranneberger said a similar ban would be extended to the minister’s family and relatives.

Yesterday, Ruto who was fielding questions from reporters at his Kilimo House office said it was the sovereign right of any nation to welcome or disallow a visitor.

"The US is exercising its right. Even Kenya can also bar individuals it deems not fit from entering our country," said Ruto.

The ban brings to 13 the number of influential Kenyans who have been barred from setting foot in America.

The list includes powerful individuals who served in the Kanu regime and who are also officials of the Grand Coalition.

Recent scandals

Ranneberger, who cited the US Presidential Proclamation 7750, said the Government reserves the right to suspend entry into the US of any non–American "engaged in or benefiting from official corruption".

The envoy said the unnamed Kenyan minister was linked to several corruption cases in recent months of which the Government had failed to take action.

Ranneberger said the minister would receive the official communication permanently barring him from entering US in a couple of days.

Present during Ruto press conference was Assistant Minister and Nithi MP Kareke Mbiuki, who attempted to stop journalists from asking the Agriculture Minister questions relating to the US visa ban and alleged corruption in Government.

"Ask the minister questions relating to agriculture and wait for Saturday at political rallies to ask him any burning questions on that matter," interjected Mbiuki.

The latest ban slapped on the "corrupt" minister has fuelled public speculation on the possible culprit.

Ranneberger said the visa ban had proved effective during post-election crisis as it helped tone down "hardliners" who were not keen on the power sharing deal.

But yesterday Ruto said even Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe denied former US President turned peacemaker Jimmy Carter entry into the country at the height of the political crisis, last year.

"That’s why I say the US, just like any other country, including Kenya, has a sovereign right to allow or deny entry," said Ruto.

Meanwhile, Ruto has dismissed reports there was a political alliance between him and Deputy PM Uhuru Kenyatta, terming it a "creation of the media".

Ruto said alliances were not adding any value to leadership and the much-needed services Kenyans were yearning for.

"It is important we focus on matters that will change the lives of Kenyans," said Ruto.

Failed states

Political analysts said the ban should be taken seriously as it is an act targeting leaders of failed States like Somalia.

Senior Counsel Paul Muite demanded action against the unnamed minister by coalition principals, to save face.

"It is frustrating to see our ministers being treated like leaders of failed States. We must redeem our image in the global village."