KENYA'S ELECTORAL CRISIS: AMBASSADOR'S LETTER TO MINISTER

UNCLAS NAIROBI 000330 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL PHUM KDEM KE SUBJECT: KENYA'S ELECTORAL CRISIS: AMBASSADOR'S LETTER TO MINISTER OF SECURITY ON HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS ¶1. On January 30, the Ambassador sent the following letter to the Minster of Internal Security and Minister of Foreign Affairs asking for an investigation of threats against human rights activists. Begin text. Hon. George Saitoti Minister of Internal Security Hon. Moses Wetangula Minister of Foreign Affairs Dear Messrs. Ministers, As you know, since the beginning of Kenya's post-election crisis, I have consistently indicated the United States Government's strong support for human rights and the rule of law. I have strongly condemned incitement to violence as a means to political ends. Many Kenyan civil society organizations share these concerns. Leaders of several Kenyan civil society organizations and the Kenyan National Commission for Human Rights have spoken out against alleged violations of human rights that have occurred since the onset of Kenya's current crisis; regardless of which side of the political divide the alleged perpetrators come from. It has come to my attention that several of these human rights defenders have been subjected to threats and harassment, including death threats. Organisations and individuals working to protect and investigate human rights must be allowed to carry out their work without being subject to threats or intimidation. I hereby request that the appropriate authorities fully investigate threats made against protectors of human rights and bring to justice those responsible. I also request that you inform me what measures are being taken to protect defenders of human rights. I look forward to your response. Sincerely, Michael Ranneberger United States Ambassador End text. RANNEBERGER