Sunday, December 12, 2010

Kibaki, Raila in bid to rein in Ranneberger


President Mwai Kibaki during the Jamhuri Day celebrations at Nyayo Stadium, Nairobi on December 12, 2010. PHOTO/STEPHEN MUDIARI
 
By LUCAS BARASA lbarassa@ke.nationmedia.comPosted Sunday, December 12 2010 at 21:59

The Kenyan government on Sunday launched a scathing attack on the US envoy as relations between Nairobi and Washington appeared to turn sour.
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President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga warned ambassador Michael Ranneberger they would not tolerate his activities in the country.
This comes in the wake of reports that Mr Ranneberger has been funding youth groups to influence Kenya’s political direction.
The envoy has also described the Kenyan leadership as steeped in corruption and incapable of reforming the country in leaked secret cables.
Addressing Jamhuri Day celebrations, the president, prime minister and Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka took issue with Mr Ranneberger for questioning the leadership’s commitment to reforms and labelling the Cabinet corrupt.
“We have nothing to fear. Wherever we have reached nobody can threaten us. Those trying should go elsewhere,” President Kibaki said. He asked Kenyans not to worry about the WikiLeaks reports.
The Big Three also criticised Mr Ranneberger and other envoys dishing out money to youths on the pretext of empowering them to take over leadership.
“If they think because of money given to a few youths they will destroy Kenya, then they are dreaming as we have enjoyed independence for 47 years and there’s no way they will take us back. Anyone who is worried (about WikiLeaks) should be assisted. Let us continue with our work,” President Kibaki said in one of his major swipes at foreign countries.
For the first time, the President started his address with an off the cuff speech before reading his official statement. Normally, the President addresses the public in Kiswahili or dwells on other issues after reading his official statement.
He said the government was aware of “three, four or five” people going around the country distributing money and inciting Kenyans. “We have seen them. They are visitors and when they leave, you will remain with nothing,” he said.
The President said Kenya wants to relate well with all countries “but will not allow people who want to come to Kenya and incite the people.
“Who do they think they are? We are ready to fight them,” he declared. Mr Odinga kicked off the attack, saying the government appreciates support from donors but it’s for Kenyans to run the country.
“Diplomats should respect Kenyans. One should not come and pretend to be governor. We have no governors. The last one was MacDonald and left in 1964 and went back to his country. As visitors, diplomats should respect Kenyans,” the PM said.
The PM cautioned young people against being misused. He said a true friend should always tell the truth. Mr Musyoka said Kenyans fought for the independence they are enjoying and foreigners should respect them.
“As stated in our National Anthem Kenyans require respect. We fought for the independence we are enjoying and were not just given,” Mr Musyoka said.
The principals said the government was committed to implementing the Constitution in a timely, efficient manner.
While Mr Odinga assured Kenyans that the process would not stall in Parliament, President Kibaki appealed to MPs to approve the nominees to the Commission for the Implementation of the Constitution “to ensure that we stick to the agreed Schedule.”
“The Grand Coalition government is committed to ensuring that our proposed laws are enacted with integrity and fidelity to the Constitution. We do appreciate that there will be challenges in the process of implementing. As a government, we are committed to engaging in consultation and dialogue for the sake of our nation,” President Kibaki said.

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