NAIROBI, Kenya (AP):

The United States will impose travel bans on Kenyan ministers and other prominent people blocking government reforms aimed at preventing political violence, the American ambassador to Kenya said yesterday.

Michael Ranneberger said that 15 Kenyans had received letters saying the US was reviewing its relationship with them. He declined to name the individuals, but said that when the ban is imposed their names will be made public.

Letters sent

The top US diplomat for Africa, Johnnie Carson, sent the letters to ministers, senior government officials and members of parliament, Ranneberger said. The US, one of Kenya's key lenders, has persistently criticised Kenya for not taking action against perpetrators of post-election violence in 2007.

More than 1,000 people were killed in December 2007 and early 2008 following a dispute over presidential election results. President Mwai Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga signed a power-sharing deal in February 2008 to end the violence, which was also fuelled by frustration over poverty and corruption.