United Kenyans of Chicago

US Ambassador Michael E. Ranneberger extended the US campaign for political reform to the Kenyan diaspora with a meeting and engaging dialogue in Chicago, Illinois. The meeting took place on Monday May 3rd at the offices of United Kenyans of Chicago. The Ambassador began by expressing the hopes of the U.S. Government that 2010 will be the year in which Kenyans could bring about fundamental changes to the political landscape of their county, in order to usher in a prosperous and democratic future. Ambassador Ranneberger expressed the support both President Obama and Secretary Clinton have shown for the reform process, saying the reform agenda was central to US policy in the country. This agenda was focused on constitutional reform, countering corruption, justice in the aftermath of the post-election violence of 2008, judicial reform and the promotion of national reconciliation. He discussed various ways in which the US government was helping mitigate the risk of politically motivated violence in Kenya by strengthening the role of women and youth, and enhancing the capacity of political parties.

The Ambassador stated that the estimated 300,000 Kenyans in the United States had much to offer in shaping the destiny of Kenya, beyond remittances. He added that there was a historic “narrow window of opportunity” to push for the transformation of the political and social order Kenya. He urged the diaspora to join hands with all Kenyans to bring an end to a political order based on a closed circle of patronage. He expressed willingness of the US government to support the engagement of the diaspora, through structured channels such as United Kenyans of Chicago, in promoting development and the political and social transformation of Kenya.

In a lively question and answer session, the Ambassador engaged Kenyans and friends of Kenya, including the Dixon Sister City Committee, in an open discussion on topics such as, the need for a relatively fast wholesale change to the constitution of Kenya vs. a series of measured amendments, the debate over United States participation in the International Criminal Court, ethnic militias, the US visa process, USAID projects, and the US vs. British “quiet” diplomatic style. Responding to a comment that a new governing document by itself will not usher in the anticipated changes, Mr. Ranneberger said that the reforms would catalyze the changes needed to address underlying issues in Kenya such as corruption and a political system based on patronage.