The US ambassador to Kenya Michael Ranneberger Tuesday moved to clarify why Prime Minister Raila Odinga was not invited to a luncheon with President Barack Obama.
Ranneberger said the cancellation was as a result of a technical issue and was not in any way related to Kenya's track record in fighting corruption.
He said the luncheon had been prepared for only heads states from the region.
Ranneberger however said the Prime Minister will be a guest to various other events where president Obama will be in attendance.
Odinga was reportedly excluded from a luncheon on arrival in the US. His communication officer however refuted the claims stating that the PM's itinerary had not included the luncheon with Obama but with former US President Bill Clinton.
Odinga Tuesday met with the fornmer president who pledged support for Kenya's efforts to rehabilitate the Mau Forest Complex.
Meanwhile the United States has threatened to take action against the coalition government for "failing to implement the reform agenda as stipulated in the National Accord".
Speaking in Nairobi during the International Day of Peace held at the United States International University, Ranneberger said President Barack Obama was dissatisfied with the pace at which the reforms were being implemented.
He said the war against corruption had completely failed because top government officials implicated in graft have not been prosecuted.
He said weak institutions have largely contributed to the problems bedeviling the country adding that the International Criminal Court should take over the prosecution of post election violence suspects since the Kenyan process might fail to materialize.
Ranneberger said the implementation of the reform agenda would avert a recurrence of violence as witnessed after the 2007 general elections.
"Reforms should be implemented in all sectors of the economy as a positive development to mobilize peace in the country," said the envoy.
Ranneberger noted that the US government was keen in promoting peace across the globe particularly in Africa saying it would not relent until the goal of attaining peace and stability was realized.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
Kibaki and Moi Nyachae's
President Mwai Kibaki on Monday urged Kenyans to rededicate themselves in serving their communities and the nation in general to make it a better place for all.
President Kibaki noted that while citizens and the country as a whole faced various challenges, Kenyans must strive to overcome them in order to secure a bright future.
"How would you like to be remembered by the generations that come years after you? Strive to make a difference by serving fellow Kenyans diligently and support them to change their lives for better," he said.
The President made the remarks when he joined the family, relatives and friends for the burial of the late Mama Paulina Bosibori Nyandusi and mother to former cabinet minister Simeon Nyachae in Nyaribari Chache Constituency, Kisii Central District.
President Kibaki urged the Abagusii Community and Kenyans at large to emulate virtues upheld by the late Mama Bosibori whom she termed as a God fearing, hard working, generous and caring person.
While condoling the bereaved, the Head of State urged the family members to remain united and be guided by the principles advocated for by the late matriarch who at all times demonstrated leadership and commitment to the service of fellow citizens.
"The late Bosibori worked hard in her farm and cultivated large portions of land where she grew all types of crops and thus inculcating similar passion for hard work to her children and even neighbours,' said the President.
Also at the funeral ceremony, retired president Daniel arap Moi urged leaders to avoid politics during funerals and instead focus on consoling the bereaved families.
The former president noted that although politics was a critical pillar of life such pronouncements should be avoided during such occasions.
He said, "Although politics is part of life we must avoid it during funerals and instead we should comfort the grieving families."
The retired president further urged Kenyans to lay their hope and faith in Jesus Christ whom He said came to redeem the entire mankind and as evidenced by the Holy Scriptures.
He asserted that by putting faith in Jesus Christ Kenyans would secure lasting peace in their hearts and remain accommodative to one another in order for the country to move forward to prosperity.
"Kenyans must change their hearts to become loving and tolerant. The restlessness among Kenyans shall end once they encounter Jesus. Mama Paulina kept her faith and she will be happy during resurrection," affirmed the retired president.
Several cabinet ministers, assistant minister's current and former members of parliament, senior government and private sector officials attended the burial ceremony.
President Kibaki noted that while citizens and the country as a whole faced various challenges, Kenyans must strive to overcome them in order to secure a bright future.
"How would you like to be remembered by the generations that come years after you? Strive to make a difference by serving fellow Kenyans diligently and support them to change their lives for better," he said.
The President made the remarks when he joined the family, relatives and friends for the burial of the late Mama Paulina Bosibori Nyandusi and mother to former cabinet minister Simeon Nyachae in Nyaribari Chache Constituency, Kisii Central District.
President Kibaki urged the Abagusii Community and Kenyans at large to emulate virtues upheld by the late Mama Bosibori whom she termed as a God fearing, hard working, generous and caring person.
While condoling the bereaved, the Head of State urged the family members to remain united and be guided by the principles advocated for by the late matriarch who at all times demonstrated leadership and commitment to the service of fellow citizens.
"The late Bosibori worked hard in her farm and cultivated large portions of land where she grew all types of crops and thus inculcating similar passion for hard work to her children and even neighbours,' said the President.
Also at the funeral ceremony, retired president Daniel arap Moi urged leaders to avoid politics during funerals and instead focus on consoling the bereaved families.
The former president noted that although politics was a critical pillar of life such pronouncements should be avoided during such occasions.
He said, "Although politics is part of life we must avoid it during funerals and instead we should comfort the grieving families."
The retired president further urged Kenyans to lay their hope and faith in Jesus Christ whom He said came to redeem the entire mankind and as evidenced by the Holy Scriptures.
He asserted that by putting faith in Jesus Christ Kenyans would secure lasting peace in their hearts and remain accommodative to one another in order for the country to move forward to prosperity.
"Kenyans must change their hearts to become loving and tolerant. The restlessness among Kenyans shall end once they encounter Jesus. Mama Paulina kept her faith and she will be happy during resurrection," affirmed the retired president.
Several cabinet ministers, assistant minister's current and former members of parliament, senior government and private sector officials attended the burial ceremony.
Raila meets Moon
Prime Minister Raila Odinga is appealing for the elevation of the Nairobi-based United Nations Environment Program into a fully fledged UN organisation.
This he says will enable it deal comprehensively with the emerging environmental challenges across the world.
Speaking during a meeting with UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon at the Headquarters in New York on Sunday, the PM said the agency, which is struggling to stem the tide of environmental degradation is however stifled by duplication and scattering of roles.
He said Africa has begun to feel the heat of global warming while it is least prepared to deal with it.
Raila said strengthening UNEP will boost Africa's capacity to tackle global warming.
He asked the UN to help with environmental issues Kenya is grappling with adding that the collapse of the ecosystem in Kenya would have serious implications for the entire Eastern Africa and beyond.
Raila said Kenya is making substantial contributions to reducing carbon emissions by restoring its forest and water towers and promoting green energy.
These efforts, the PM said, deserved the support of the UN.
The PM said Kenya is playing a leading role in rallying African states to take a united stand during the upcoming climate talks in Copenhagen.
This he says will enable it deal comprehensively with the emerging environmental challenges across the world.
Speaking during a meeting with UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon at the Headquarters in New York on Sunday, the PM said the agency, which is struggling to stem the tide of environmental degradation is however stifled by duplication and scattering of roles.
He said Africa has begun to feel the heat of global warming while it is least prepared to deal with it.
Raila said strengthening UNEP will boost Africa's capacity to tackle global warming.
He asked the UN to help with environmental issues Kenya is grappling with adding that the collapse of the ecosystem in Kenya would have serious implications for the entire Eastern Africa and beyond.
Raila said Kenya is making substantial contributions to reducing carbon emissions by restoring its forest and water towers and promoting green energy.
These efforts, the PM said, deserved the support of the UN.
The PM said Kenya is playing a leading role in rallying African states to take a united stand during the upcoming climate talks in Copenhagen.
Government fails to meet the deadline
The government has admitted that it won't meet the deadline set by International Criminal court-ICC- Prosecutor Moreno Ocampo on the prosecution of suspects of the post election violence.
Admitting defeat, the minister for Justice Mutula Kilonzo called on Ocampo to move in fast adding that he had the blessings and support of the cabinet.
"Nobody has asked Ocampo to extend the deadline and his coming in will be a big relief to me as I have lots of work in making of a new constitution and boundaries review."
The minister termed the defeat as a national disaster but was quick to defend himself saying that he had done his part only for the cabinet to reject his proposals.
The move paves way for the ICC to move in and arrest the perpetrators of the violence and prosecute them in The Hague.
With the deadline set for September 30th, Mutula called on Ocampo to intervene as it had become impossible to set a local tribunal.
"We have only nine days and am sorry we cannot beat the deadline by producing a tribunal of international standards as directed by ICC,"
The minister was addressing the press at Great Rift Valley Lodge after opening a three day induction workshop for members of TJRC.
"Parliament has adjourned without discussing the Manyara bill which would have facilitated the formation of a local tribunal,"
"We can only arrest suspects of crimes like rape and arson but crimes against humanity, only the ICC can act on the suspects," he added.
He dismissed reports by human rights activists that the ICC prosecutor was waiting for an invitation to come into the country for more investigations.
According to him, the prosecutor was free to come to the country anytime terming the ICC as ‘Kenyan court'.
"If he wanted an invitation, then that would fall under the docket of the minister for internal security George Saitoti whose ministry deals with international crime,"
He said that the agreement reached on the 3rd of July in Hague had wanted a report on witness protection programme and the investigations of PEV.
"We have achieved the two but failed to convince Kenyans that we can have a capable judicial system which can handle suspects of PEV.' He said.
On TJRC, the minister said that the retreat was meant to take the commissioners through the new act of parliament.
He admitted that TJRC's were known to be expensive and urge the members to design a process that was cognizant of the financial constrains.
"TJRC is the culmination of efforts to address historical injustices dating back many years ago,"
He added that the national cohesion and integration commission would be sworn in soon to deal with present injustices.
Others present during the retreat were TJRC chairman Bethwel Kiplagat, vice chair Betty Murungi among others.
Admitting defeat, the minister for Justice Mutula Kilonzo called on Ocampo to move in fast adding that he had the blessings and support of the cabinet.
"Nobody has asked Ocampo to extend the deadline and his coming in will be a big relief to me as I have lots of work in making of a new constitution and boundaries review."
The minister termed the defeat as a national disaster but was quick to defend himself saying that he had done his part only for the cabinet to reject his proposals.
The move paves way for the ICC to move in and arrest the perpetrators of the violence and prosecute them in The Hague.
With the deadline set for September 30th, Mutula called on Ocampo to intervene as it had become impossible to set a local tribunal.
"We have only nine days and am sorry we cannot beat the deadline by producing a tribunal of international standards as directed by ICC,"
The minister was addressing the press at Great Rift Valley Lodge after opening a three day induction workshop for members of TJRC.
"Parliament has adjourned without discussing the Manyara bill which would have facilitated the formation of a local tribunal,"
"We can only arrest suspects of crimes like rape and arson but crimes against humanity, only the ICC can act on the suspects," he added.
He dismissed reports by human rights activists that the ICC prosecutor was waiting for an invitation to come into the country for more investigations.
According to him, the prosecutor was free to come to the country anytime terming the ICC as ‘Kenyan court'.
"If he wanted an invitation, then that would fall under the docket of the minister for internal security George Saitoti whose ministry deals with international crime,"
He said that the agreement reached on the 3rd of July in Hague had wanted a report on witness protection programme and the investigations of PEV.
"We have achieved the two but failed to convince Kenyans that we can have a capable judicial system which can handle suspects of PEV.' He said.
On TJRC, the minister said that the retreat was meant to take the commissioners through the new act of parliament.
He admitted that TJRC's were known to be expensive and urge the members to design a process that was cognizant of the financial constrains.
"TJRC is the culmination of efforts to address historical injustices dating back many years ago,"
He added that the national cohesion and integration commission would be sworn in soon to deal with present injustices.
Others present during the retreat were TJRC chairman Bethwel Kiplagat, vice chair Betty Murungi among others.
Accidents claim 4
Four people lost their lives in separate road accidents, even as the police enforced the famed ‘Michuki rules’.
Two passengers died when their matatu over-turned on the Machakos-Kitui road.
Several others including the driver were seriously injured and rushed to Machakos General Hospital in critical condition.
Local OCPD Hassan Barua said it was not established immediately what caused Monday’s accident.
He said the vehicle was heading to Kitui from Machakos.
Local traffic boss Dorcas Nyagah, who led the rescue team, described the accident as horrible.
She and her team used the local Kenyan Red Cross Society ambulance to ferry the victims to the hospital.
And a motorist died when his vehicle rammed into a stationary lorry and burst into flames in Nairobi’s Industrial Area.
Police said the man was speeding along Lunga Lunga Road on Sunday night.
The lone motorist was trapped in the wreckage and before he could be rescued, a fire broke out soon after the incident 1am incident.
Nairobi Area deputy traffic boss Leonard Katana said the vehicle was badly damaged and they are trying to identify the victim.
"We are yet to establish what may have caused the fire," he said.
Elsewhere along Mombasa Road, near St James Hospital, another motorist died in an accident involving two cars.
The other driver was seriously injured and rushed to hospital, on Monday morning.
Witnesses said the victim was speeding towards the city centre, before losing control of his vehicle.
Two passengers died when their matatu over-turned on the Machakos-Kitui road.
Several others including the driver were seriously injured and rushed to Machakos General Hospital in critical condition.
Local OCPD Hassan Barua said it was not established immediately what caused Monday’s accident.
He said the vehicle was heading to Kitui from Machakos.
Local traffic boss Dorcas Nyagah, who led the rescue team, described the accident as horrible.
She and her team used the local Kenyan Red Cross Society ambulance to ferry the victims to the hospital.
And a motorist died when his vehicle rammed into a stationary lorry and burst into flames in Nairobi’s Industrial Area.
Police said the man was speeding along Lunga Lunga Road on Sunday night.
The lone motorist was trapped in the wreckage and before he could be rescued, a fire broke out soon after the incident 1am incident.
Nairobi Area deputy traffic boss Leonard Katana said the vehicle was badly damaged and they are trying to identify the victim.
"We are yet to establish what may have caused the fire," he said.
Elsewhere along Mombasa Road, near St James Hospital, another motorist died in an accident involving two cars.
The other driver was seriously injured and rushed to hospital, on Monday morning.
Witnesses said the victim was speeding towards the city centre, before losing control of his vehicle.
Central PCIO dead
Central Provincial Criminal Investigations Officer (PCIO) John Maritim has died. He succumbed to injuries he sustained in a road accident on the Nairobi-Nyeri highway, last week.
Maritim, who was a senior assistant commissioner of police, died at the Nairobi Hospital’s ICU, on Monday.
He was admitted last Sunday after his car was involved in an accident near Makuyu.
Senior officers visited the hospital on Monday, when they heard of his demise.
Doctors said internal bleeding might have led to his death.
Police Commissioner Mathew Iteere sent condolences to his family, describing him as hard working and a professional officer.
Maritim and his driver were heading to Nairobi for a senior officers’ meeting with Mr Iteere when the accident occurred.
Maritim, who was a senior assistant commissioner of police, died at the Nairobi Hospital’s ICU, on Monday.
He was admitted last Sunday after his car was involved in an accident near Makuyu.
Senior officers visited the hospital on Monday, when they heard of his demise.
Doctors said internal bleeding might have led to his death.
Police Commissioner Mathew Iteere sent condolences to his family, describing him as hard working and a professional officer.
Maritim and his driver were heading to Nairobi for a senior officers’ meeting with Mr Iteere when the accident occurred.
Muthaura to Ringera-"Carry your own cross"
Civil Service chief Francis Muthaura on Monday avoided commenting on the raging debate about the reappointment of the Kenya Anti Corruption Commission director Aaron Ringera
Mr Muthaura who was answering questions from journalists at the Kenya Institute of Administration after the official opening of African Association of Public Administration and Management said "he [Ringera] can speak for himself".
Pressed for more answers, Mr Muthaura said: "Has Ringera made any statement? Ask him the questions because I am sure he has the answers".
Parliament last week declared illegal President Kibaki's unilateral decision reappointing Mr Ringera and two of his deputies for another term. Also reappointed with Mr Ringera were assistant directors Smokin Wanjala and Fatuma Sichale. Dr Wanjala resigned from KACC on Friday following the controversy.
Mr Muthaura, who was with Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi, said Justice (retired) Ringera was the only one who can speak on the controversial matter of his rejection by Parliament even though he was reappointed by the President.
Mr Mudavadi also skirted a direct reaction to the rejection of Justice Ringera saying "it is not something we want to talk about here."
No rules of compliance
But when addressing participants at the workshop Mr Mudavadi said collective responsibility which was the subject of discussion in Parliament during debate on Mr Ringera had no standard rules of compliance.
He said that collective responsibility had different meanings in military regimes, single party governments, multi-party and grand coalition systems. \
"In Kenya the issue of collective responsibility was at crossroads because its real meaning appeared to change in various systems of government. That is what you as government and management scholars should let us understand after the five days you will be here," Mr Mudavadi said.
Mr Muthaura who was answering questions from journalists at the Kenya Institute of Administration after the official opening of African Association of Public Administration and Management said "he [Ringera] can speak for himself".
Pressed for more answers, Mr Muthaura said: "Has Ringera made any statement? Ask him the questions because I am sure he has the answers".
Parliament last week declared illegal President Kibaki's unilateral decision reappointing Mr Ringera and two of his deputies for another term. Also reappointed with Mr Ringera were assistant directors Smokin Wanjala and Fatuma Sichale. Dr Wanjala resigned from KACC on Friday following the controversy.
Mr Muthaura, who was with Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi, said Justice (retired) Ringera was the only one who can speak on the controversial matter of his rejection by Parliament even though he was reappointed by the President.
Mr Mudavadi also skirted a direct reaction to the rejection of Justice Ringera saying "it is not something we want to talk about here."
No rules of compliance
But when addressing participants at the workshop Mr Mudavadi said collective responsibility which was the subject of discussion in Parliament during debate on Mr Ringera had no standard rules of compliance.
He said that collective responsibility had different meanings in military regimes, single party governments, multi-party and grand coalition systems. \
"In Kenya the issue of collective responsibility was at crossroads because its real meaning appeared to change in various systems of government. That is what you as government and management scholars should let us understand after the five days you will be here," Mr Mudavadi said.
Obama now "dis-disinvite" Raila
Obama finally invites Raila
Prime Minister Raila Odinga will after all meet US President Barack Obama, The Standard has established.
Information received last night from New York indicated the PM and his Wife Ida will join a select group of Heads of State and Government at a dinner meeting with Obama at a separate function on Wednesday.
Former US President Bill Clinton would host Raila for lunchon Tuesday before dining with Obama together with Clinton on Wednesday evening at the Obama fete.
These dinner and luncheon dates steal the thunder from the diplomatic row that was building up, especially after a Kenyan diplomat was reported to have advised the US State Department Raila was not a Head of State and should not represent Kenya at an Obama luncheon for sub-Saharan Heads of State.
US President Barack Obama: Raila Odinga is set to meet Obama alongside former US President Bill Clinton at the dinner to be hosted at The Waldorf Astoria Hotel, a short distance from the UN complex
Within the Raila camp, the heat was rising, fuelled by claims that the PM was being exposed to this ridicule by a group close to the President that was out to ensure Raila does not meet with Obama before Kibaki. This paranoia stems from the perception that given Obama’s father’s ancestry to Kenya and Nyanza specifically, America’s first black president may give Raila — who inherited his father’s clout in the province — more than a cursory glance or casual contact.
Raila arrived to the US to be met with the news of ‘disinvitation’ — and all fingers in his side seemed to point to the schisms and rivalry in ruling coalition.
Raila is set to meet Obama alongside former US President Bill Clinton at the dinner to be hosted at The Waldorf Astoria Hotel, a short distance from the UN complex.
"None of the Kenyan delegation, including two ambassadors Rateng’ Ogego in Washington and Muburi Muita, the permanent representative to the UN will attend, but Raila is invited," Raila’s spokesman Dennis Onyango said from New York.
Lunch date
He said the White House official communication said the PM was excluded from the luncheon.
"The luncheon was not on the PM’s itinerary when he left Nairobi because he is scheduled for another lunch date with Mr Clinton," said Onyango.
Sources privy to the goings-on said a section of politicians are unhappy because Kibaki and Raila may have found a formula for working together but those who have succession stakes are not taking it lightly.
The source said the row has raged secretly for about three months since Kibaki decided that Raila represents the country at the UN General Assembly.
A section of Kibaki’s men — including Deputy Prime minister Uhuru Kenyatta, Foreign Affairs minister Moses Wetangula and Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka — are believed to have mounted the campaign that Raila was not a Head of State and is not formally head of Government and could not represent Kenya at Obama’s lunch table.
"Kibaki agreed to Raila representing Kenya after he learnt that the PM would be in New York for an earlier scheduled meeting with former President Bill Clinton this week and the dinner hosted by Obama at The Waldorf Asteria Hotel a short distance from UN," Mr Onyango said.
On Sunday, the US denied claims that Raila was dropped from the lunch list with Obama on account of Kenya’s poor record in fighting graft.
The country’s ambassador to Kenya Michael Ranneberger said there was a "technical mix up" in the administration of the invitation letter that was initially extended to Raila.
He said only Heads of States from Africa were invited to the luncheon with Obama on the sidelines of the 64th Session of the UN General Assembly.
By virtue of being the coordinator and supervisor of government, Raila does not qualify for the luncheon that would be hosted by White House tomorrow.
Ranneberger told The Standard by telephone: "It was a purely technical issue, it is nothing to do with Kenya’s fight against corruption. Only the African heads of states were invited."
Raila was earlier invited to attend the luncheon in New-York but the letter was cancelled last Friday, a day after Raila arrived in the US to attend the UN General Assembly.
But according to a press briefing by UN Ambassador Susan Rice posted on the White House website, tomorrow’s luncheon would be for "Heads of States and Governments from sub-Saharan Africa."
Job creation
Rice said the luncheon would be crucial since it would focus on how the US can work in partnership with African governments to strengthen African development.
"The talk will focus primarily on three topics: job creation, especially for young people; creating a more conducive climate for trade and investment; and ways to mobilise African agriculture to create jobs and help feed the continent," Rice said.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs declined to be drawn into the matter, saying the PM and Wetangula can handle the matter effectively in New York.
Foreign Affairs Assistant Minister Richard Onyonka told The Standard: "Both can handle the matter conveniently. What I know is that the PM’s diary is so loaded that this incident would not have a negative impact."
Another source at the ministry said they were puzzled over the cancellation of Raila’s invitation for the luncheon as "he is representing the Head of State and is the head of Kenyan delegation to the UN summit."
Obama is expected to deliver a keynote address at the Secretary General’s summit on climate change. This is a head of state-level meeting open to the entire UN membership.
Raila will address the General Assembly on Friday. He will also attend a high-profile meeting on climate change at the gathering.
Apart from visiting Egypt to talk to the Muslim world, the US President chose Ghana in July to reach out to sub-Saharan Africa, snubbing Kenya in what analysts argued was the America’s displeasure with the East African country’s leadership.
Also with Raila in the trip are Cabinet ministers John Michuki (Environment), Beth Mugo (Public Health) and Wycliffe Oparanya (Planning).
FROM STANDARD
Prime Minister Raila Odinga will after all meet US President Barack Obama, The Standard has established.
Information received last night from New York indicated the PM and his Wife Ida will join a select group of Heads of State and Government at a dinner meeting with Obama at a separate function on Wednesday.
Former US President Bill Clinton would host Raila for lunchon Tuesday before dining with Obama together with Clinton on Wednesday evening at the Obama fete.
These dinner and luncheon dates steal the thunder from the diplomatic row that was building up, especially after a Kenyan diplomat was reported to have advised the US State Department Raila was not a Head of State and should not represent Kenya at an Obama luncheon for sub-Saharan Heads of State.
US President Barack Obama: Raila Odinga is set to meet Obama alongside former US President Bill Clinton at the dinner to be hosted at The Waldorf Astoria Hotel, a short distance from the UN complex
Within the Raila camp, the heat was rising, fuelled by claims that the PM was being exposed to this ridicule by a group close to the President that was out to ensure Raila does not meet with Obama before Kibaki. This paranoia stems from the perception that given Obama’s father’s ancestry to Kenya and Nyanza specifically, America’s first black president may give Raila — who inherited his father’s clout in the province — more than a cursory glance or casual contact.
Raila arrived to the US to be met with the news of ‘disinvitation’ — and all fingers in his side seemed to point to the schisms and rivalry in ruling coalition.
Raila is set to meet Obama alongside former US President Bill Clinton at the dinner to be hosted at The Waldorf Astoria Hotel, a short distance from the UN complex.
"None of the Kenyan delegation, including two ambassadors Rateng’ Ogego in Washington and Muburi Muita, the permanent representative to the UN will attend, but Raila is invited," Raila’s spokesman Dennis Onyango said from New York.
Lunch date
He said the White House official communication said the PM was excluded from the luncheon.
"The luncheon was not on the PM’s itinerary when he left Nairobi because he is scheduled for another lunch date with Mr Clinton," said Onyango.
Sources privy to the goings-on said a section of politicians are unhappy because Kibaki and Raila may have found a formula for working together but those who have succession stakes are not taking it lightly.
The source said the row has raged secretly for about three months since Kibaki decided that Raila represents the country at the UN General Assembly.
A section of Kibaki’s men — including Deputy Prime minister Uhuru Kenyatta, Foreign Affairs minister Moses Wetangula and Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka — are believed to have mounted the campaign that Raila was not a Head of State and is not formally head of Government and could not represent Kenya at Obama’s lunch table.
"Kibaki agreed to Raila representing Kenya after he learnt that the PM would be in New York for an earlier scheduled meeting with former President Bill Clinton this week and the dinner hosted by Obama at The Waldorf Asteria Hotel a short distance from UN," Mr Onyango said.
On Sunday, the US denied claims that Raila was dropped from the lunch list with Obama on account of Kenya’s poor record in fighting graft.
The country’s ambassador to Kenya Michael Ranneberger said there was a "technical mix up" in the administration of the invitation letter that was initially extended to Raila.
He said only Heads of States from Africa were invited to the luncheon with Obama on the sidelines of the 64th Session of the UN General Assembly.
By virtue of being the coordinator and supervisor of government, Raila does not qualify for the luncheon that would be hosted by White House tomorrow.
Ranneberger told The Standard by telephone: "It was a purely technical issue, it is nothing to do with Kenya’s fight against corruption. Only the African heads of states were invited."
Raila was earlier invited to attend the luncheon in New-York but the letter was cancelled last Friday, a day after Raila arrived in the US to attend the UN General Assembly.
But according to a press briefing by UN Ambassador Susan Rice posted on the White House website, tomorrow’s luncheon would be for "Heads of States and Governments from sub-Saharan Africa."
Job creation
Rice said the luncheon would be crucial since it would focus on how the US can work in partnership with African governments to strengthen African development.
"The talk will focus primarily on three topics: job creation, especially for young people; creating a more conducive climate for trade and investment; and ways to mobilise African agriculture to create jobs and help feed the continent," Rice said.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs declined to be drawn into the matter, saying the PM and Wetangula can handle the matter effectively in New York.
Foreign Affairs Assistant Minister Richard Onyonka told The Standard: "Both can handle the matter conveniently. What I know is that the PM’s diary is so loaded that this incident would not have a negative impact."
Another source at the ministry said they were puzzled over the cancellation of Raila’s invitation for the luncheon as "he is representing the Head of State and is the head of Kenyan delegation to the UN summit."
Obama is expected to deliver a keynote address at the Secretary General’s summit on climate change. This is a head of state-level meeting open to the entire UN membership.
Raila will address the General Assembly on Friday. He will also attend a high-profile meeting on climate change at the gathering.
Apart from visiting Egypt to talk to the Muslim world, the US President chose Ghana in July to reach out to sub-Saharan Africa, snubbing Kenya in what analysts argued was the America’s displeasure with the East African country’s leadership.
Also with Raila in the trip are Cabinet ministers John Michuki (Environment), Beth Mugo (Public Health) and Wycliffe Oparanya (Planning).
FROM STANDARD
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Now its a Raila/Clinton luncheon
Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s office on Sunday downplayed the effect of cancellation of an invitation for a luncheon with US President Barack Obama.
Mr Odinga had been invited by the White House, together with selected heads of state from Africa, but his invitation was later cancelled.
PM’s director of communications, Mr Dennis Onyango, said the luncheon scheduled for Tuesday was not in Mr Odinga’s diary. His views contradicted official communication from the White House that his earlier invitation was cancelled.
“The impression created that the PM was dropped from Obama’s luncheon is incorrect. The luncheon was not on the PM’s itinerary as he left Nairobi because he would be attending a luncheon with (former) president (Bill) Clinton at that same time,” said Mr Onyango in a message to the Daily Nation.
Mr Odinga is in New York as head of Kenya’s delegation to the 64th session of the United Nations General Assembly. He arrived there on Saturday night to news of the cancellation of a luncheon with President Obama set for later this week.
This followed confusion over whether he would attend the luncheon, hosted by the White House for selected leaders from sub-Saharan Africa on the sidelines of the UN meeting.
New York-based Kenyan ambassador to the UN Zachary Muburi-Muita was asked by the State Department on Friday to “disinvite” Mr Odinga from the September 22 luncheon with Mr Obama in New York for African leaders.
A dispatch to the Foreign Affairs ministry from Kenya’s Ambassador to Washington, Mr Peter Ogego, confirmed the cancellation.
Mr Muburi-Muita had on Monday last week received an invitation letter for the PM to attend the luncheon and had confirmed this to the Nation.
The PM is expected to make his address to the General Assembly on Friday afternoon as the 12th speaker while he is also expected to attend a high-level meeting on climate change as well as holding meetings with other leaders.
The PM will also hold discussions with officials from the Clinton Global Initiative and attend the Africa Investor Index Series Summit.
He is further scheduled to hold discussions with the International Contact Group on Somalia and attend another meeting on Level Event on Reducing Emission from Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Developing Countries.
It also likely that the issue of the Mau Forest Complex, the subject of intense debate in the country, will be discussed at the UN meet.
On Thursday, the PM will deliver a lecture at Harvard University’s Kennedy school of public administration on his Vision on the Challenges of Democratic Transition and Transfer of Power in Africa.
Ministers Wycliffe Oparanya (Planning), Beth Mugo (Public Health and Sanitation) and John Michuki (Environment) are accompanying the Prime Minister.
President Obama, the son of a Kenyan father, has kept his distance from both President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Odinga as a sign of US displeasure with Kenya’s response to official corruption, ethnic violence and police abuses.
FROM NATION
Mr Odinga had been invited by the White House, together with selected heads of state from Africa, but his invitation was later cancelled.
PM’s director of communications, Mr Dennis Onyango, said the luncheon scheduled for Tuesday was not in Mr Odinga’s diary. His views contradicted official communication from the White House that his earlier invitation was cancelled.
“The impression created that the PM was dropped from Obama’s luncheon is incorrect. The luncheon was not on the PM’s itinerary as he left Nairobi because he would be attending a luncheon with (former) president (Bill) Clinton at that same time,” said Mr Onyango in a message to the Daily Nation.
Mr Odinga is in New York as head of Kenya’s delegation to the 64th session of the United Nations General Assembly. He arrived there on Saturday night to news of the cancellation of a luncheon with President Obama set for later this week.
This followed confusion over whether he would attend the luncheon, hosted by the White House for selected leaders from sub-Saharan Africa on the sidelines of the UN meeting.
New York-based Kenyan ambassador to the UN Zachary Muburi-Muita was asked by the State Department on Friday to “disinvite” Mr Odinga from the September 22 luncheon with Mr Obama in New York for African leaders.
A dispatch to the Foreign Affairs ministry from Kenya’s Ambassador to Washington, Mr Peter Ogego, confirmed the cancellation.
Mr Muburi-Muita had on Monday last week received an invitation letter for the PM to attend the luncheon and had confirmed this to the Nation.
The PM is expected to make his address to the General Assembly on Friday afternoon as the 12th speaker while he is also expected to attend a high-level meeting on climate change as well as holding meetings with other leaders.
The PM will also hold discussions with officials from the Clinton Global Initiative and attend the Africa Investor Index Series Summit.
He is further scheduled to hold discussions with the International Contact Group on Somalia and attend another meeting on Level Event on Reducing Emission from Deforestation and Forest Degradation in Developing Countries.
It also likely that the issue of the Mau Forest Complex, the subject of intense debate in the country, will be discussed at the UN meet.
On Thursday, the PM will deliver a lecture at Harvard University’s Kennedy school of public administration on his Vision on the Challenges of Democratic Transition and Transfer of Power in Africa.
Ministers Wycliffe Oparanya (Planning), Beth Mugo (Public Health and Sanitation) and John Michuki (Environment) are accompanying the Prime Minister.
President Obama, the son of a Kenyan father, has kept his distance from both President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Odinga as a sign of US displeasure with Kenya’s response to official corruption, ethnic violence and police abuses.
FROM NATION
RAILAPHOBIA GOES INTERNATIONAL
Kenya's Prime Minister Raila Odinga arrived in the United States of America on Saturday night to news of cancellation of a luncheon with US President Barack Obama which had earlier been scheduled for later this week.
The news followed a round of confusion over whether he would attend the luncheon, hosted by the White House for selected leaders from sub-Saharan Africa on the sidelines of the 64th Session of the UN General Assembly in New York.
New York-based Kenyan ambassador to the UN Zachary Muburi-Muita told the Nation on Saturday night that the State Department contacted him on Friday to “disinvite” Mr Odinga from the September 22 luncheon with President Obama in New York for African leaders.
The ambassador last Monday confirmed to the Nation that he had received an invitation letter for the PM to attend the luncheon. A dispatch to the Foreign Affairs ministry from Kenya’s Ambassador to Washington, Mr Peter Ogego, seen by the Nation confirmed the cancellation.
On Saturday, the Mr Muburi-Muita said State Department officials told him that the earlier invitation was sent accidentally; that the luncheon is actually only for African heads of State and not heads of government.
But at the White House Press briefing on Friday, US ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice said the following: “The President will also host on the 22nd a lunch for heads of state and government from sub-Saharan Africa.”
Mr Muburi-Muita said the cancellation was disappointing and did not know why the invitation was issued in the first place, only to be rescinded. “This is something we expect from a third world country, not from the United States,” he said. Mr Odinga will participate in the Opening of the 64th Session of the UN General Assembly and General Debate.
The Prime Minister will make his addresses to the General Assembly on the afternoon of Friday as the 12th speaker. While in the US, the PM will address a number of gatherings and bilateral meetings on critical issues in Kenya.
He is also scheduled to hold discussions with various Heads of State and Government. On Saturday, the Nation learnt from other government sources quoting a dispatch from Kenya’s ambassador to the US Peter Ogego, that no arrangements had been made for Mr Odinga and President Obama to meet.
In Nairobi, neither Foreign Affairs minister Moses Wetang’ula nor his PS Mwangi Thuita returned our calls. President Obama, the son of a Kenyan father, has kept his distance from both President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Odinga as a signal of US displeasure with Kenya’s response to official corruption, ethnic violence and police abuses.
The American leader chose Ghana as his first official destination in Africa, and he did not invite Mr Odinga to a White House meeting when the Prime Minister visited the US in June.
Kenya has been left out of the list of 40-plus countries invited to the luncheon, and will be among nations the US is snubbing because of disputes over their governance or an antagonistic relationship with Washington. They include Eritrea, Guinea, Madagascar, Niger, Sudan and Zimbabwe.
The news followed a round of confusion over whether he would attend the luncheon, hosted by the White House for selected leaders from sub-Saharan Africa on the sidelines of the 64th Session of the UN General Assembly in New York.
New York-based Kenyan ambassador to the UN Zachary Muburi-Muita told the Nation on Saturday night that the State Department contacted him on Friday to “disinvite” Mr Odinga from the September 22 luncheon with President Obama in New York for African leaders.
The ambassador last Monday confirmed to the Nation that he had received an invitation letter for the PM to attend the luncheon. A dispatch to the Foreign Affairs ministry from Kenya’s Ambassador to Washington, Mr Peter Ogego, seen by the Nation confirmed the cancellation.
On Saturday, the Mr Muburi-Muita said State Department officials told him that the earlier invitation was sent accidentally; that the luncheon is actually only for African heads of State and not heads of government.
But at the White House Press briefing on Friday, US ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice said the following: “The President will also host on the 22nd a lunch for heads of state and government from sub-Saharan Africa.”
Mr Muburi-Muita said the cancellation was disappointing and did not know why the invitation was issued in the first place, only to be rescinded. “This is something we expect from a third world country, not from the United States,” he said. Mr Odinga will participate in the Opening of the 64th Session of the UN General Assembly and General Debate.
The Prime Minister will make his addresses to the General Assembly on the afternoon of Friday as the 12th speaker. While in the US, the PM will address a number of gatherings and bilateral meetings on critical issues in Kenya.
He is also scheduled to hold discussions with various Heads of State and Government. On Saturday, the Nation learnt from other government sources quoting a dispatch from Kenya’s ambassador to the US Peter Ogego, that no arrangements had been made for Mr Odinga and President Obama to meet.
In Nairobi, neither Foreign Affairs minister Moses Wetang’ula nor his PS Mwangi Thuita returned our calls. President Obama, the son of a Kenyan father, has kept his distance from both President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Odinga as a signal of US displeasure with Kenya’s response to official corruption, ethnic violence and police abuses.
The American leader chose Ghana as his first official destination in Africa, and he did not invite Mr Odinga to a White House meeting when the Prime Minister visited the US in June.
Kenya has been left out of the list of 40-plus countries invited to the luncheon, and will be among nations the US is snubbing because of disputes over their governance or an antagonistic relationship with Washington. They include Eritrea, Guinea, Madagascar, Niger, Sudan and Zimbabwe.
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