US accused of paying groups to boost ‘Yes’ camp support

The Obama administration is providing about Sh50 million to 10 Kenyan groups promoting a ‘Yes’ vote in the referendum, a US congressman said on Wednesday.

Recipients of the funding include the Central Organisation of Trade Unions, the Kenya Muslim Youth Alliance, Christian Community Services as well as theatre groups and peace-advocacy organisations, said Representative Chris Smith.

“There is no doubt that the Obama administration is funding the ‘Yes’ campaign in Kenya,” he alleged.

“By funding NGOs charged with obtaining ‘Yes’ votes, the administration has crossed the line,” he declared, adding: “The US is running a political campaign in Kenya.”

“US taxpayer funds should not be used to support one side or the other,” he said.

Detailed list

Mr Smith’s allegations will escalate the controversy over US involvement in the referendum campaign and his detailed list contradicts a US embassy statement on Monday that the government is only supporting the constitution review process.

Mr Smith is one of three Congress members who have accused the administration of violating a law prohibiting use of government funds to support or oppose abortion.

The three Republicans claim that the proposed constitution would give Kenyan women unrestricted access to abortion and have requested a probe into US funding in the referendum.

On Tuesday, Mr Smith released a list of Kenyan groups he said had received the Sh50 million from the US Agency for International Development, claiming it had been supplied by Usaid’s inspector general.

According to the list, the Provincial Peace Forum, Eastern Providence was given about Sh8 million to “gain buy-in for the proposed constitution by educating professional elites in Isiolo South about its benefits and getting their commitment to use their influence to ensure people vote ‘Yes’.

Next referendum

It says the Cotu also got Sh8 million to “marshal a coalition of pro-constitution individuals and institutions to drum up support by organising a rally at the historic Kamukunji Grounds.”

The provincial commissioner for North Eastern Province allegedly got about Sh8 million for “one of a series of activities that aim to contribute to an ‘overrepresentation’ of Yes voters at the next referendum.”

The Kenya Muslim Youth Alliance is said to have got about Sh5 million for “one of a series of activities that aim to contribute to an ‘overrepresentation’ of the Yes voters...”