Controversial U.S. Ambassador Bids Farewell

Nairobi Star (Nairobi)

Mosoku Geoffrey

26 April 2011

interview

Outgoing United States of America ambassador Michael Ranneberger has officially concluded his five-year tour of duty in Kenya and is expected to leave the country in a fortnight. The envoy who returns to Washington has won enemies and friends alike during his tenure but says he has no regrets at all.

How can you describe your term in Kenya?

I have had a very wonderful time in my five-year stay although the country (Kenya) has undergone a period of great crisis.

What do you consider your lowest moment in the country?

The events that followed the announcement of the 2007 presidential election results when the country erupted into chaos. I was very hopeful of the prospects of a peaceful election but was extremely disappointed that the vote tabulation was manipulated.

And what do you consider to be your major achievement?

Following the crisis, we worked tirelessly with the government of Kenya to end the bloodshed. The US government has also been at the forefront in pushing for reforms in the country. Our believe was that every crisis provides an opportunity to deal with the long-term issues and the passage of the new constitution is one of the highlights for the people of Kenya in moving a step ahead. The US helped Kenya turn from a crisis to a new dawn of hope. We have also empowered women and the youth.

As you leave, how would you describe political reforms in the country? Do you think the country has achieved the minimum to prevent the sad occurrences of 2007/08?

There’s some progress in reforms but much needs to be done to avoid another crisis in 2012. Electoral reforms should be accelerated, police and judiciary reforms carried out expeditiously and the devolution structures put in place urgently. There must be a reputable and credible electoral body that will conduct elections in a more honest way.

In your own diagnosis, what is Kenya’s major disease?

There are three diseases; corruption, impunity and ethnicity. These are the same problems that President Obama pointed out when he gave a keynote speech at the University of Nairobi in 2006 as a senator when he visited Kenya. But he did point out to the audience that it’s ‘only you Kenyans who can address this issue.’

Do you think enough has been done to address these problems?

I doubt; I am disappointed that impunity still thrives. No minister, assistant minister or PS has been jailed for corruption. No high profile person has been convicted for hate speech either.

How do you prefer to see these problems solved?

The people of Kenya themselves need to speak up. I am convinced that Kenyans want to see change as was witnessed when a vast majority voted overwhelmingly for the new constitution. The people have to signal to politicians that they need change to avoid the events of 2007/08. Again the media must be at the forefront. At the height of the chaos, the media came up with an identical headline’ SAVE OUR BELOVED COUNTRY’, I believe that was the turning point. This is why the US government wants to empower the people.

Your push for reforms in Kenya has been termed as foreign interference in internal matters of a sovereign country by your critics. What do you say?

No. Not at all! We have maintained that it’s only the people of Kenya who can determine their destiny but as friends, we can only lend support.

Were you concerned when Members of Parliament moved a motion to discuss your conduct in the House?

No. Not at all! I found it ridiculous and in any case it could not succeed as it did not enjoy the support of a vast majority of MPs.

Politicians have been accusing you of violating diplomatic ethics by direct involvement with the youth and holding countrywide tours and rallies. Comment.

I know they are a scared lot. They fear that an empowered youth is not easy to be manipulated. These are efforts that have been sanctioned by the highest office in my country; that of President Obama. Even my successor will continue with the programmes. Again, in public we can appear to differ but I can assure you we still meet in a roundtable and agree on technical issues.

You and the US government have been unequivocal in the push for the ICC process as relates to the Kenyan case, why?

The ICC process is very important in Kenya in order to address impunity. As I said earlier, no minister, assistant minister or PS has been sent to jail for hate speech or corruption, so we believe the ICC will help in ending the system of impunity.

There have been reports that the international community is increasingly shunning the ICC suspects who are still in government and is demanding their resignations. Is it true?

We support accountability but as to whether the officials should quit government or not, we let it for Kenyans to decide.

Your critics have also claimed that you are aligned to one partner in the grand coalition, ODM and Prime Minister Raila Odinga. Comment.

That’s not true. In fact I enjoy cordial relationship with both President Kibaki and Prime Minister Odinga. I am not pro-Odinga or pro-Kibaki. Neither am I pro-ODM or pro-PNU.

The whistleblower Wikileaks site released cables you allegedly sent to Washington about Kenyan leaders leading to choruses of condemnations on your work. Do you regret these reports?

I do not regret at all! If anything, my countrywide tours have revealed that Kenyans are very positive about the report. I do not want to dwell on any of the alleged content but Kenyans are saying ‘thank God someone knows what is happening’. Sending reports to Washington is part of my duty as an ambassador and most of these reports are very accurate. In fact, my mission became top globally in accurate reports two years ago. That shows the diligence of our reporting.

Are you leaving behind a hostile environment for your successor?

I don’t think so. I have left an enormously positive environment for my successor.

Talking of foreign policy, does the US government feel threatened by the ever increasing involvement of China with African countries and especially Kenya?

We consider China as a global partner but obviously there is competition. Relationship with Kenya during my tenure have grown tremendously and the US still remains Kenya’s leading bilateral partner with US$3 billion (Sh255 billion) annually in resource flow to the country.

Rumour has it that you are dating a Maasai lady and even gone ahead and paid dowry as per African traditions?

I am not gonna discuss my private life here, sorry.

It’s also claimed that you fell in love with Kenya and you have purchased a piece of land in Laikipia where you intend to settle. What is your comment?

(Laughs) I must say it’s too early to comment much about that but I must admit that Kenya is a wonderful country. I have made both professional and personal contacts with Kenyan people; these are ties that I will obviously maintain. For now am not retiring from the diplomatic corps as I am returning to Washington to continue working as a diplomat.

Do you regret that President Obama who has his roots in Kenya did not visit the country during your tenure?

President Obama will come to Kenya at the right moment. But as I did point earlier, he came to Kenya in 2006 as a senator. That was the time I had just reported to Kenya. I was appointed by President Bush and reaffirmed by President Obama.

Your parting shot?

I want to urge Kenyans to take charge of their destiny and understand that the interest of one person is tied to another person. One part of the country faces a crisis, the entire country is affected. I will be releasing my farewell message to the nation next week.

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