Ranneberger opposed caucus, says MP

A member of the Parliamentary Reform Caucus has criticised the US ambassador, Mr Michael Ranneberger, over claims that the caucus was started with the “encouragement” of the American government.

Mr Charles Kilonzo (Yatta, ODM-K) told the Nation in Parliament buildings, that Mr Ranneberger tried to “fix himself” into the caucus after MPs complained to the US Secretary of State, Ms Hillary Clinton.

“We told (Mrs) Clinton that the US is frustrating the work of the backbench. We asked her why her government was against an official opposition in the 10th Parliament. It is after that day that the ambassador began warming up to us,” Mr Kilonzo said.

Present at the meeting with Mrs Clinton during her visit to Nairobi, the MP said, were Dr Boni Khalwale (Ikolomani, New Ford Kenya) and Mr Danson Mungatana (Garsen, Narc Kenya). Mr Mungatana was the de-facto leader of the group.

The US government also paid for MPs to go to Washington to train on corruption. Dr Khalwale confirmed that he made the trip and promised to get back to this writer after seeing the cable released by WikiLeaks.

Mr Kilonzo did not take the US trip. “I have issues with the Americans. Do you remember what Ranneberger said when we wanted to form a grand opposition? He said that we were disgruntled because we had not been appointed to the Cabinet. He called us pretenders,” Mr Kilonzo said.

Mr Eugene Wamalwa, Saboti MP, hosted the US ambassador in his constituency, where the envoy urged the constituents at a rally to vote for the new Constitution.

On Thursday, Mr Wamalwa said only Mr Mungatana could comment on the caucus’ dealings with the Americans.

But when the Nation caught up with Mr Mungatana at Parliament buildings, he declined to comment. Reminded that he was the face of the caucus, he said “Tuongee kesho (let’s talk tomorrow),” and briskly walked away.