By Jon Leyne BBC correspondent in Washington

The US government has called on the new Kenyan government to hand over one of the leading figures wanted for crimes in the Rwandan genocide of 1994.

The United States believes that Felicien Kabuga is taking refuge in Kenya.

Kenya has denied shielding Felicien Kabuga

He is a rich businessman who is accused of helping to fund the genocide.

Mr Kabuga has been on the run from the Rwandan War Crimes Tribunal for eight years.

The US government has put a $5m bounty on his head.

Optimism

Now, according to the US War Crimes ambassador, Pierre Prosper, Washington has information that Mr Kabuga is in Kenya and receiving protection from a senior official of the outgoing Kenyan government.

Mr Prosper said the issue was raised with the outgoing President, Daniel arap Moi.

But now there's more optimism that the new Kenyan government might help bring Felicien Kabuga to justice.

The Bush administration has set itself a target of 2008 for completing the work of the Rwandan tribunal.

That won't be possible until suspects like Mr Kabuga are brought to justice.