US threatens more restrictions
2008-02-09 16:56
Washington - The United States warned five more Kenyans they may be barred from US soil due to suspected roles in this month's deadly post-election violence in Kenya, the State Department said on Friday.
Spokesperson Tom Casey told reporters that five politicians and businessmen had been sent letters similar to those issued by the department on Tuesday, warning that they could be barred on suspicion of inciting or aiding violence.
"We have the eight letters that were handed out or distributed on February 5. I understand there have been an additional five letters today that have been given," Casey said.
Those targeted include figures from both sides of the bitter political divide in Kenya - President Mwai Kibaki's party and that of opposition leader Raila Odinga.
More than 1 000 people were killed and some 300 000 displaced in inter-ethnic violence after Kibaki's December re-election, which Odinga says was rigged.
The letters warned that US visas or pending visa demands for them or their families will be reviewed.
"We're continuing to look at this issue. And I wouldn't rule out the possibility that we'll have some more letters of this kind," Casey said.
Kenya is considered a key strategic partner in east Africa for the United States in its campaign against militant extremists and for stabilising the region.