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Wikileaks names Kenyans barred from USA

NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 2 – US Secret Diplomatic Cables have now revealed names of influential leaders and businessmen who received letters from the US Embassy in Nairobi, asking them to explain their efforts in promoting an end to violence in Kenya soon after the 2007 disputed presidential poll.

The letters sent by ambassador Michael Ranneberger notified the leaders that any indication that they could be involved in fanning violence in the country were relevant to their eligibility and that of their families to enter the US.

"This is to notify you that indications you may be involved in supporting, inciting, and perpetrating inter-ethnic violence in Kenya are relevant to you and your family\’s eligibility for US visas," part of the letter sent to the leaders and attached in the WikiLeaks site states.

"We request any and all information from you in writing detailing your efforts to promote an end to violence and the achievement of political and ethnic reconciliation in Kenya," the letters posted on February 5 states.

The letters were a follow up to statements made by Assistant Secretary Jendayi Frazer and Mr Ranneberger indicating that the US State Department was to likely to review the visa eligibility of Kenyan politicians and businessmen suspected of "supporting, inciting, or perpetrating violence in Kenya."

In the information available on whistle blowing site, the cables indicate that the letters were sent to eight individuals who include businessmen and politicians.

They include Former Cabinet Minister Njenga Karume, and Naivasha MP John Mututho.

Others listed are former President Daniel arap Moi\’s aide Joshua Kulei, former Industrialization Minister and MP for Tinderet Henry Kosgey and Cabinet Minister William ole Ntimama, who is also the Narok North MP.

The list also includes Zakayo Cheruiyuot, ODM MP for Kuresoi and Kabando wa Kabando, MP for Mukurweini.

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The letters reminded the recipients of the US Immigration and Nationality Act which "provides for the denial of visas to individuals for a variety of reasons."

"The US Department of State reserves the right to make such a determination and reserves the right to suspend action on a visa application until such time that a determination of an individual\’s visa eligibility can be made," Mr Ranneberger wrote in the secret cable to Washington.

At the time, the US envoy only made a press announcement that the US had written letters to businessmen and political leaders but he did not reveal their names.

Businessman Richard Ngatia who received a similar letter from the US embassy on February 4, 2008  proved his innocence and enjoys a visa to America.

A letter dated April 15, 2008 seen by Capital News states:  "We appreciate your letter for February 4, 2008.  As a result of the information you supplied, certain information which has come to our attention, and your stated commitment not to support fundraising for violent purposes, we are removing your name from our visa ban list effective immediately."

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