Kenyan MP files motion against US envoy

US Ambassador Michael Ranneberger delivers a speech on reform, partnership and the future of Kenya during a luncheon held by the American Chambers of Commerce on January 26, 2010. He has been on the spotlight in recent weeks over a number of actions and utterances regarding the state of affairs in the country. Photo/FILE

MPs will this week move a motion in Parliament seeking to expel US ambassador Michael Ranneberger from Kenya.

Imenti North MP Silas Ruteere has filed the motion, which could be prioritised for debate this week by the House Business Committee.

“We must ensure this man (Mr Ranneberger) goes before we break for Christmas,” Ndaragwa MP Jeremiah Kioni said on Sunday. The US envoy is accused of meddling in the country’s internal affairs.

Some MPs are said to be infuriated by America’s move to slap a blanket ban on members of the Parliament’s Finance, Trade and Planning Committee after they recommended the re-opening of Charterhouse Bank.

Mr Ranneberger claims the bank is involved in money laundering and tax evasion.

One of the MPs on the committee is said to have been turned back at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi when he attempted to travel to the US about three weeks ago.

Contacted for comment on the impending Motion, Mr Ranneberger said: “I don’t know (about it).”

Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo, a member of the committee, has confirmed that he was aware “up to six MPs have had their visas revoked.”

“I am aware one of us was denied a visa to the US about one to two weeks ago,” he said.

The US ambassador has been on the spotlight in recent weeks over a number of actions and utterances regarding the state of affairs in the country.

Mr Ranneberger first ran into trouble last month after whistle-blower website WikiLeaks released cables he wrote to his superiors in Washington, describing Kenya as flourishing swamp of corruption.

Pumping a lot of money

In an angry rejoinder, Government Spokesman Alfred Mutua hit back, accusing a foreign power, suspected to be the US, of pumping a lot of money to youth organisations across the country to topple the Coalition Government.

Mr Ranneberger later denied that the US Government planned to overthrow the government, saying the money channelled by USaid was aimed at empowering the youth.

More secret cables on Kenya emerged on December 9 where Mr Rannebeger accused President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga of doing nothing to end impunity.

The two principals hit back at the US envoy during their respective speeches on Jamhuri Day.

Mr Odinga said Kenya does not deserve people masquerading as friends during the day, but turning into enemies at night.

The president on his part dared the schemers to try and topple his leadership, promising they would face the full force of his administration.