AMBASSADOR RAISES CONCERNS OVER ALLEGATIONS OF

C O N F I D E N T I A L NAIROBI 004555

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/02/2025
TAGS: PREL PHUM KDEM KE
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR RAISES CONCERNS OVER ALLEGATIONS OF
U.S. FUNDING ANTI-CONSTITUTION CAMPAIGN

REF: NAIROBI 4128

Classified By: POL/C MICHAEL J. FITZPATRICK FOR REASONS 1.4 (B) AND (D)


1. (C) During an October 31 meeting with Permanent Secretary
for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Boaz Mbaya, Ambassador
Bellamy raised his concerns about continuing public remarks
made by several high-ranking government officials, including
a cabinet minister, alleging that the U.S. was in someway
funding the "No" campaign opposed to the adoption of the
proposed new constitution. In statements made October 29 at
campaign rallies supporting the Yes vote on the proposed new
constitution, several officials singled out the U.S.,
Germany, and the U.K. for sharp criticism over their alleged
support of the "No" campaign.


2. (C) Ambassador Bellamy expressed his concern -- as he had
previously (reftel) -- that these and other previous, similar
statements made by high-ranking members of the government at
public gatherings (which are associated with the
government,s agenda) might convey the perception that this
is an official position of the government of Kenya. He
stated that such statements are unfounded, irresponsible, and
complicate the efforts of the U.S. mission in Kenya.


3. (C) Mbaya expressed his understanding for the
Ambassador,s concerns and assured him that the views
expressed by "a few" government officials did not represent
the official view of the government of Kenya. The Ambassador
thanked him for this assurance but suggested that such a
distinction might be lost on the average Kenyan. The
Ambassador expressed his desire to see this issue resolved
without resort to an official protest and suggested that a
statement to correct this possible misperception delivered by
a government spokesperson might be very helpful. After
encouraging the Ambassador to &ignore it,8 Mbaya replied
that he would raise the issue during an internal meeting
later that day.
BELLAMY