OBAMA SAYS NO TO IMPUNITY

US President Barack Obama is closely following the constitution review and is eager to see an end to impunity, US envoy Michael Ranneberger has said.

In a one-hour online chat with journalists Tuesday, Ranneberger called on the Government to release funds to the Committee of Experts to ensure the civic education process is not jeopardised. "President Obama is following developments in Kenya very closely — very closely indeed... A new constitution will strengthen democracy and prosperity by creating a framework to protect the interests of all Kenyans," said the envoy.

Ranneberger said the constitutional review is the centre piece of the reform agenda agreed to by the Coalition Government and US, being Kenya’s most important partner and friend, has made clear her determination to press for full implementation of the reform agenda.

"We are urging the Government to ensure that the Committee of Experts receives the funds it needs in a timely manner. I am confident that this will be the case," he said.

Implementation of a new constitution, he said, will require substantial work and funding.

"We and other donors will help. In addition Kenyans need to demand that corruption be stopped and that funds stolen be recovered. That in itself will help fund the costs of implementation," said the envoy.

He also urged Kenyans to guard against being misled by leaders, but read the Proposed Constitution and decide wisely on their own.

Wind of change

"The winds of change are blowing in Kenya and it is no longer easy for politicians to manipulate people...I have great faith in the Kenyan people and believe they will insist the reforms be carried out," he said.

Asked whether Obama supports Yes or No in the referendum he said: "We are not telling Kenyans how to vote. Each Kenyan must decide how to vote based on his analysis, judgement and conscience."

He denied claims that the US Government would be bank rolling the ‘No’ crusaders.

"We are not funding the ‘No’ campaign but provided technical support to CoE and Parliament on the constitutional review process. We have committed more than $2 million (Sh154 million) to support civic education, working with non-governmental groups and the CoE."

When asked to comment on Cabinet ministers opposing the draft the envoy said: "The leaders of the coalition Government have made clear the position of the Government with respect to the Proposed Constitution. I would not presume to say how the President and Prime Minister should deal with specific ministers."