US embassy cable - 05NAIROBI4555

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, Referendum 
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