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US ambassador accused of intimidation

NAIROBI - Kenyan Foreign Minister Moses Wetangula said he had summoned the United States of America's ambassador over warning letters written to top Kenyan officials Washington accuses of blocking reforms.

NAIROBI - Kenyan Foreign Minister Moses Wetangula said he had summoned the United States of America's ambassador over warning letters written to top Kenyan officials Washington accuses of blocking reforms.

Nairobi is angered by ambassador Michael Ranneberger's announcement last week that 15 Kenyan officials - including ministers and lawmakers - had been sent letters threatening them with travel bans if they fail to support reforms.

"I have summoned him here to explain why diplomatic protocol was disregarded in issuing the letters to Kenyan leaders," Wetangula told reporters yesterday.

"I will also expect that he produces the list of the leaders who have received the letters because this is an act of intimidation," Wetangula said.

The two are expected to meet tomorrow.

Kenyan president Mwai Kibaki said on Saturday he had written to US President Barack Obama to protest at the action which he described as "out of step with international protocols in the conduct of relations between friendly nations". - Sapa-AFP

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