Kenya seeks to build image after Bashir visit row

The Government is on a charm offensive following the controversy sparked by the visit of Sudan President Omar al-Bashir.

Foreign Affairs Minister Moses Wetang'ula has moved to secure international support for the implementation of the new constitution.

International support has been a major driver to Kenya’s reform process since the 2007 post-election violence and more is needed at the implementation phase, Foreign Affairs minister Moses Wetang’ula said on Thursday.

“We certainly need support in the actualisation of the new constitution,” the minister said after meeting diplomats from Asia, Middle East and Australasia stationed in Nairobi commonly referred to as the Asia Group.

“Our main aim right now is to achieve the large number of legislation before us to be in sync with the new Constitution. To do this, the country will need support on legislative drafting from our partners especially those from the Commonwealth group with whom we share a lot.”

In the last two days, the minister has hosted envoys from the Africa and Asia Groups as it seeks support against international condemnation for hosting President Al-Bashir.

On Friday, Mr Wetang’ula hosts envoys from the Americas. The minister confirmed to the press on Thursday that a similar meeting with European Union diplomats stationed in the country was on the way. But he added that the meeting would be at the request of the EU heads of mission.

“We do not practice diplomacy of exclusion but we seek inclusion,” the minister stated.

He has been telling the envoys that the country is focusing ahead and does not wish to be drawn back by the Al-Bashir issue.

“We want to move away from any controversy so that we can focus on the real issues and the real issue is not who came to the promulgation but how we implement the constitution,” Mr Wetang’ula told African envoys on Wednesday.

The Sudanese leader who was in Nairobi to attend the country’s celebrations to promulgate a new constitution is wanted by the International Criminal Court in The Hague for war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide committed in Darfur.

An estimated 300,000 people died in the crackdown by Janjaweed militia that is believed to have had President al-Bashir’s backing.

Following the visit by President al-Bashir, Kenya has been under immense pressure from local and international groups and individuals. Those who have expressed their displeasure include US President Barack Obama, human rights groups such as Human Rights Watch and the ICC among others.

Kenyan envoys in EU countries were on Wednesday summoned to explain the recent visit to the country by the Sudanese leader. But Mr Wetang’ula played down the summons stating that they were normal. “Interaction between envoys and their host countries is a normal procedure in the diplomatic circles,” he said.

Kenya has received support from among others the African Union Commission, regional neighbours and the latest being envoys who make up the Asian group.