Corrupt Politicians Will Be Denied Visas to US - Ambassador Robert Godec

The United States Government on Tuesday made an announcement that would largely affect some of the top politicians and government officials in Kenya.

Speaking in an interview, US Ambassador to Kenya Robert Godec divulged that America was committed to supporting President Uhuru Kenyatta's government in fighting graft since it had undermined growth of the country's economy.

“I will continue denying visas to the US for Kenyans who are deemed corrupt,” Godec affirmed.

The US ambassador acknowledged the government's effort in fighting the vice but said more needs to be done like sending those found culpable to jail.

“We acknowledge that a number of people have been prosecuted over corruption related issues but a lot more needs to happen. We should have independent and quick investigations and those found guilty should go to prison or handed severe punishment,” Godec stated.

In December 2015, the US government imposed travel bans on some officials who had been mentioned in graft cases.

During that time, Godec refused to mention specific names but the announcement came after some cabinet secretaries had been asked to step aside for investigations into corruption allegations in their ministries.

They included: Mrs Charity Ngilu (Lands), Mr Kazungu Kambi (Labour), Mr Michael Kamau (Transport and Infrastructure), Mr Davis Chirchir (Energy) and Mr Felix Koskei (Agriculture).

All the Cabinet Secretaries were later sacked but it remains unclear whether travel bans were imposed on them.


 

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