New US sanctions target 15 Kenya leaders

US Ambassador to Kenya Michael Ranneberger fields questions from journalists at his residence in Muthaiga, Nairobi on September 24, 2009. He said that 15 prominent Kenyans have been given letters warning them against blocking reforms. Photo/STEPHEN MUDIARI

What you need to know:

  • Letters, signed by the Assistant Secretary for African Affairs Johnnie Carson, warn Kenya risks losing Washington's support.

The United States has threatened to impose travel bans on 15 prominent Kenyan officials if they fail to support the reform agenda.

US Ambassador Michael Ranneberger said on Thursday that letters have been sent to the individuals warning them against blocking reforms.

The letters, which are signed by the Assistant Secretary for African Affairs Johnnie Carson, warn Kenya risks losing Washington's support adding that it will not be "business as usual" if the country continues to delay the implementation of key reforms.

"While I will not be releasing the names of those individuals, I can tell you that Ministers, Members of Parliament, Permanent Secretaries and other prominent officials are among those receiving letters, said Mr Ranneberger at his Nairobi residence.

"The letters have been sent to both sides of the coalition government, because they share responsibility to implement reforms."

He said that the reforms, which "reflect the view at the highest levels of the US Government" must proceed with a greater sense of urgency adding that doing so is "crucial to the future democratic stability of Kenya."

Mr Rannebeger added the US will also "closely scrutinise any proposals for Kenya in international financial institutions."

"President Obama and Secretary Clinton have made clear their deep concerns that key elements of the reform agenda have not been implemented. They have made clear that as a friend and partner of Kenya, we want to help but we will not do business as usual with those who do not support reform or who support violence," said part of the letter.

"We welcome initial indications of steps towards police reform. The remaining reform agenda is extensive, however, and we expect to see actions and results- not more promises, rhetoric and commissions," added the letter.

The US envoy said the steps reflected what the "vast majority of the people of Kenya want, expect, and deserve from their political leaders..."

He said that the changes include: "peaceful, fundamental change that will end the culture of impunity, a society governed by the rule of law, and accountability- all of which amount to changes needed to ensure there is never again a repeat of the unprecedented crisis Kenya suffered last year."

The US has warned Kenya several times over the slow process of instituting reforms agreed under Agenda Four of the National Accord, which include enactment of a new constitution, land reforms, addressing historical injustices, judicial, police and electoral reforms.

The US also wants to see "bold and decisive steps against corruption and accountability for perpetrators post election violence."

The reforms were part of peace negotiations brokered by former United Nations secretary general Kofi Annan to save the country from the brink after violence broke out in the aftermath of a disputed presidential election.

The opposition Orange Democratic Movement claimed that the 2007 presidential poll was rigged and its leader Raila Odinga denied victory. The incumbent, President Kibaki of the Party of National Unity was declared the victor by the Electoral Commission of Kenya.

The violence, which broke out following the ECK's announcement, left at least 1,300 dead and a further 350,000 displaced from their homes.

The Annan- led negotiations saw a return to peace and the formation of a power sharing government, where Mr Odinga was named Prime Minister and members of his party appointed to the cabinet.

As part of the agreed reforms, the ECK was disbanded and replaced by an interim polls body that will be in place for two years.

On Wednesday, Justice minister Mutula Kilonzo said that Kenya will be unable to meet the September 30 deadline set by the International Criminal Court to set up a local tribunal to try post election violence suspects.

Parliament has also nullified a gazette notice by President Kibaki reappointing Justice Aaron Ringera as the director of the Kenya Anti Corruption Commission after declaring the move illegal.

The President made the reappointment without consulting the KACC Advisory Board or Parliament with critics saying he had broken the law in doing so.

The House decision could be a crucial blow to the fight against corruption, one of the key issues the US has chastised Kenya on.