‘Highest levels’ of US gov’t watching for Kenya president, prime minister to resolve dispute
By APTuesday, February 16, 2010
US: Kenyan leaders need to talk to one another
NAIROBI, Kenya — The U.S. ambassador is calling on Kenya’s two top leaders to work together to resolve a dispute that could threaten a power-sharing deal that helped end postelection violence two years ago.
Michael Ranneberger said Tuesday that the highest levels of the U.S. government are watching events in Kenya closely.
Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga suspended two Cabinet ministers Sunday following allegations of corruption. Hours later, President Mwai Kibaki annulled the suspensions.
The spat has sparked a debate in Kenya about constitutional powers and high levels of corruption.
Odinga has asked former U.N. chief Kofi Annan to mediate, and Kenya’s attorney general has warned that the dispute could lead to a constitutional crisis.
