US envoy speaks out against religious extremism

United States ambassador Michael Ranneberger has urged muslims along Kenya's coast to continue speaking out against religious extremism.

The Kenyan coast has variously hosted suspected al-qaeda operatives including Fazul Abdulla, the mastermind of the November 2002 bombing of the Paradise hotel in Kikambala which left 15 people dead.

“It is extremely important for voices of reason and moderation to be heard,” Ranneberger said, adding that the United States was already partnering with the Kenyan government in sponsoring programmes that enhance religious tolerance.

Mr Ranneberger was addressing Muslims during an “Iftaar” dinner for fasting Muslims in Malindi which his embassy hosted at the Nidhamia Women Hall on Saturday.

He said US President Barrack Obama was steering America towards a new policy of engagement with the muslim world which he launched on June 4, 2009 at Cairo in Egypt. Obama had declared “a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the World”.

A Ramadhan message delivered by President Obama from White House was shown on screen at the hall which Muslims received positively.

The ambassador said his government had put in place many programmes including business entrepreneurship for Muslims, a micro scholarship access programme, an English language instruction and cultural training programme for Madrasa teachers and was also sponsoring the annual Lamu Cultural festival.

“We have opened Lamu and Mombasa American Comers to provide the Muslim community with access to books and research support, internet facilities and programming and to act as a platform for interaction between Muslim audience and US embassy employees”.

He said the promulgation of the new constitution was a reflection “of the desire of the Kenyan people to put their country on a path toward improved governance, greater stability and increased prosperity”.

He said recent religious intolerance in the United States was being addressed adding, “I am confident that the American system will overcome extremist views and reaffirm our commitment to personal and religious freedoms.”