United States Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman on Monday, November 20, sparked an outrage after posting a photo while at iconic elephant tusks located along Moi Avenue in Mombasa.
In a post on her X account, Whitman posted the photo taken during her tour to the coast region.
In what appeared to be a fulfilment of a long-time wish, the US diplomat posted, “Nipo site County 001 (Mombasa County).
Had to make a stop on my working tour to see the iconic elephant tusks in Mombasa”.
However, Kenyans on the social media platforms protested the apparent blockading of the road to stand at the iconic tusks.
Some of the Kenyans called her out asking whether she would have done the same if it were her in home country.
“I’m wondering if you could do this in your own country. Blocking a busy road to momentarily pose for a photo, inconveniencing other motorists,” Pius Kinuthia- a popular blogger posted.
“Why block the traffic though? That’s not fair for the normal Kenyan going around for his business. For how long you stopped there for a picture?” another user named Amir Loita Jnr commented.
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“I just zoomed and all I see is stalled traffic, all sought of special forces for you to take a photo? US like attention can’t you do it quietly like King Charles did?”
Meg criticized over photograph
In addition, some users were quick to poke holes in the quality of the photograph.
The photo, probably taken from range, had a big headroom capturing the entire height of the two pairs of tusks.
However, part of her face was overexposed hence the reactions asking about the person or gadget behind the photography.
Hours later, Whitman would respond to the trolling, asking the X users to excuse the photo. She also asked the users commenting to show her the best “photos from Mombasa’s iconic tusk”.
“OK, I hear you. My original photo wasn’t the greatest. Show me your best photos from Mombasa’s iconic tusk,” the statement read.
The US Ambassador was in the coast for a number of engagements including a tour of the Dogo Kundu Special Economic Zone in Mombasa.
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Additionally, Whitman toured the Port of Mombasa and held a meeting with the Mombasa business community about investment opportunities in the US.
When Meg Whitman rattled Kenyans
The former Helwett Packard CEO has attracted both foes and criticism since her arrival as United States’s envoy in 2022.
Her comments giving Kenya’s 2022 elections a clean bill of health saw her criticized for interfering with internal affairs from people including Azimio la Umoja’s top hierarchy.
But her commitment and enthusiasm in promoting Kenya and vouching for direct investments in the country have also put in the spotlight as a passionate diplomat.
