THE "NEW" MICHAEL RANNEBERGER:- TRANSFORMATION OR PR?

Initially perceived by many Kenyans as a pompous arrogant snob (thanks to a Bush-ism worldview?), US Ambassador Michael Ranneberger has undergone a radical transformation since around 2009. I think the new Rannerberger is more down to earth and more in touch with Kenyans...

No longer dishing out imperialist rhetoric from "gods" of "western heaven", the new Ranneberger engages Kenyans on local/international issues in a constructive, respectful, non-condescending, - yet action oriented way. For once he is talking TO Kenyans rather than talking AT kenyans(UK/EU please take note)... and, for once (hehehe), Kenyans are actually listening to his words.

Is this guy human after all? Or is he just a skilled PR chameleon, merely carrying out orders from his CEO? Time will tell... The next US Presidential elections are not far off.

The US ban of Kenya's politically connected Drug Lords, for example, goes a long way in fueling the fight against impunity. I believe these drug lords were, for many years, well known within international law enforcement circles - but nothing could be done as it is "normal" (worldwide) for crooked politicians to fund CAMPAIGNS with dirty money. The thugs were also perceived as too powerful / well connected to confront - even for the "mighty world police" and "world democracy enforcers" like the US.

India (especially!), China, UK? (haha- right!), EU and other countries should follow suit with copycat bans since their countries are transit points/markets.

Next should be for US to lead western countries in a campaign to freeze assets linked to corruption / criminal activities in Kenya and Africa in general. That would be much better than political chest-thumping or non-effective sanctions against countries/individuals.

For now, I can only say so far so goood. Well done Ranneberger! Well done USA!

(Disclaimer: Personal Opinion)