US Warns Kenya It Risks Losing ₤270 Million in Aid

The United States on Thursday warned the Kenya government the escalating violence in the country is putting ₤270 million worth of aid in jeopardy. Stating that it is reviewing its aid to the country, the US expressed regrets that “neither President Mwai Kibaki nor the opposition leader Raila Odinga has done enough to stop the escalating violence”.

The US warning follows the decision by the World Bank and several international agencies to suspend aid to Kenya because of the political violence.

US envoy to Africa Jendayi Frazer described the violence in Kenya as “clear ethnic cleansing”.

Quoting Frazer, the US embassy in London said “the aim originally, was not to kill, it was to cleanse, to punish them out of the region” but now “killing may be the subject.”

The US said although its ₤270 million aid goes mainly to the people, not the government, the package has to be reviewed.

International observers have claimed that the December 27 election in Kenya “was fixed to give Kibaki a razor-thin victory”. However, the US described both warring parties - Kibaki and Odinga - as guilty of rigging.

Anger against Kikuyus, members of Kibaki’s tribe and the largest in Kenya, exploded after Kibaki claimed victory in the disputed election. Kikuyus have been dominant in politics and economy.

Over 850 people have been killed and more 250,000 chased away from their homes.
Source African Press Agency

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