US Ambassador Michael Ranneberger has said the culture of impunity, negative ethnicity and poverty fueled the post-election violence in 2007/8, especially among the youth.
This, he said, was the reason why the American government was committed to empowering the youth to become self reliant so they are not misused by irresponsible politicians.
Ranneberger said while the violence that followed disputed presidential results was spontaneous in some areas, much of it was instigated, organised and supported by politicians with leanings to their communities. “Implementing the new constitution both in letter and spirit will establish a framework to end the culture of impunity, mitigate negative ethnicity and close the gap of inequality in Kenyan society,” said Ranneberger.
The envoy was speaking at Masinde Muliro University in Kakamega on Wednesday evening. He gave his condolences to the institution following the death of two students in a road accident a week ago.
He said putting in place and implementing the new constitution was the centrepiece of the reform agenda. “We cannot talk about development without mentioning reforms,” he said.
Ranneberger had earlier launched the first phase of the Sh 3.5 billion component of the Yes Youth Can programme in Bungoma. He said the programme will provide youth with opportunities to access capital for economic development.
Ranneberger said that US President Obama committed to strengthening grassroots networks of young people who believe in change. Ranneberger asked Kenyan youths to be vigilant in the process of implementing the new constitution.
The envoy lauded President Kibaki for withdrawing his controversial list of the three nominees to key judiciary positions and the Controller of Budget.
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