20 Kenyans banned from going to UK

British High Commissioner Rob Macaire said the list of prominent Kenyans banned from the UK had been growing over the past three years. Photo/FILE

Britain has a list of 20 prominent Kenyans it has banned from visiting the country for ‘‘involvement in serious corruption’’.

Making the announcement on Friday, British high commissioner Rob Macaire said the list had been growing over the past three years. But, he said it would not be published.

Asked if the list was connected to the United States threat to ban 15 prominent Kenyans from visiting the country if they didn’t push the reform process, Mr Macaire said:

“We are united in the stand against impunity in Kenya but I can’t speak for any other government.’’ He said the message to Kenyan leaders was to engage and recommit themselves to progress on reforms.

Within protocol

Mr Macaire was speaking at the German ambassador’s residence in Nairobi on the sidelines of a reception to mark the country’s 20 years of re-unification.

The function was well attended by the diplomatic community. Kenyans present included Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Foreign minister Moses Wetang’ula. The host was Ms Margit Hellwig-Boette, who started her job as ambassador on Monday this week.

Mr Odinga said Germany was a symbol of unification for the whole world, adding that Germany’s peaceful elections last weekend that saw Chancellor Angela Merkel retain power was ‘‘a good example to Kenya that winner and loser need to shake hands.’’

Mr Wetang’ula said foreign envoys were free to express their views. He said: “Whatever we do that you feel we are not doing well, we welcome your criticism but with respect and within protocol.’’

The announcement by UK that it had banned 20 Kenyans from visiting the country comes three days after expiry of the deadline for formation of a tribunal to try suspects of the post-election violence. On Friday, the European Union through Sweden, said it would take action against impunity in Kenya.