NPR: Kenyan Elders Want Clinton to Pay Up in Cattle

Kenyan Elders Want Clinton to Pay Up in Cattle

It appears that the photo which appeared on the Web the other day of Barack Obama in traditional Somali grab has angered some Kenyan elders.

Reuters reports that they may impose a fine on U.S. presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton, payable in livestock, after a photo of Obama in robes "dragged their people" into the race for the White House. The picture was taken during Sen. Obama's 2006 visit to Wajir in Kenya's remote northeast.

The dispute has angered many in Kenya, especially ethnic Somalis from the northeast, who resent the implication that Obama did anything wrong during his visit.... Mohamed Ibrahim, who attended one of two crisis meetings held in Wajir on Thursday by clan members who hosted Obama on his trip, said Washington must immediately make amends to them and especially to the elder pictured with him.

Wajir elders resolved to file an official complaint with the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, dropping earlier plans to hold a protest after Friday prayers. They said they would also convene a traditional Somali court to investigate the matter. It can impose fines that are payable in cattle, goats or camels.

"We will go ahead with this case whether Senator Clinton or Democratic party leaders turn up or not," said Ibrahim. "But this whole thing can be avoided if only an apology is made."

The other man in the photo with Obama was retired chief Sheikh Mohamed Hassan, a senior elder, who was due "great respect" community leaders say. If there was no apology, the elders will also ask that U.S. troops stationed near Garissa town be expelled.

The Clinton campaign has now denied having anything to do with the photo appearing on the Drudge Report website.

12:51 PM ET | 02-29-2008 | permalink

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