US envoy gets thumbs up despite censure

 By BEAUTTAH OMANGA

Despite censure from MPs in Parliament, many Kenyans still highly rate President Barack Obama’s representative.

The latest Synovate opinion poll shows 54 per cent of Kenyans rate US Ambassador Michael Ranneberger favourably, while 40 per cent agree with MPs the envoy has lost respect among them.

Mr Ranneberger, who a few months ago was a darling of many politicians found himself on his own after his briefs to his appointing authorities were leaked.

Whistleblower site, WikiLeaks, leaked secrets, with Ranneberger as the source.

President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga castigated the envoy, telling him off over his ratings of them on Jamhuri Day.

An agitated President Kibaki even threatened a ‘fight’ if outsiders threatened his leadership. Without naming the envoy, he said he had gone too far by inciting the youth to take over leadership.

Last week, Parliament started debate on the envoy’s work, with a view to resolving he be recalled.