National Election News from Kenya

Embassy's No to aid for women

Tue, December 11, 2007

By SAM KIPLAGAT

Last updated: Tue, Dec 11, 2007 21:39 PM (EAT)

Scores of women candidates were disappointed when American ambassador Michael Ranneberger turned down a request to fund their political campaigns.

The parliamentary candidates had travelled from across the country to Mr Ranneberger’s residence at Muthaiga, Nairobi, hoping to receive some financial assistance.

But the ambassador stood his ground during the Monday evening meeting, saying he would be contravening his country’s laws if he directly supported any candidate. Mr Ranneberger said the US embassy would only lobby for a level playing field for all those participating in the December 27 General Election.