President William Ruto on Friday, August 18 held talks with US Senator Chris Coons and US Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman at State House Nairobi.
According to a statement by Foreign and Diaspora Affairs CS Alfred Mutua, the leaders discussed a wide range of issues including trade and investment opportunities for citizens of both countries.
“President Ruto noted that Kenya was keen on enhancing its relations with the United States to expand trade and investment opportunities for citizens of both nations.
Our mutually beneficial partnership will extend to climate change mitigation efforts and environmental conservation.
On his part, Senator Coons appreciated Kenya as one of the most vibrant democracies in the world. The two leaders also discussed global security issues, climate change and the progressive path of devolution in Kenya,” said Mutua.
According to Mutua, Senator Coons appreciated Kenya as one of the most vibrant democracies in the world.
Also, the leaders discussed global security issues, climate change and the progressive path of devolution in Kenya.
Ruto Defends Meg
At the same time, president Ruto, in a speech at State House, defended Whitman stating she said two statements of facts.
“She said the last election was the fairest and freest in the history of Kenya which is a statement of fact. She said Kenya is open of business which is also a statement of fact,” said Ruto.
“I was just imagining between the people who are orchestrating destruction of property and sabotaging our economy and those working with us to create investment opportunities and capital for the people of Kenya, who is actually rogue,” asked Ruto.
Further, Ruto said that the American government has invested heavily in Kenya and should not be insulted.
“We will be very ungrateful to vilify the people creating opportunities for us. We have 200 billion investments from the American government and huge investments from other countries. We must know and secure our interests,” said Ruto.
Raila on Whitman
This meeting came a day after opposition leader Raila Odinga criticized Meg Whitman over her remarks on the 2022 general elections.
Speaking at the Devolution Conference on Thursday, August 17, Odinga told Whitman to keep off Kenya’s internalal affairs.
“Finally, I want to tell a rogue ambassador, leave Kenyans alone. Tell the rogue ambassador, Kenya is not a colony of the United States, keep your mouth shut when you are here, or else you will be recalled,” said Raila.
Also Read: Kenya Takes Stance on US After Raila Humiliation
Coons Mission
Senator Coons jetted into the country on August 12 on a mission to reinstate political stability after a series of antigovernment demonstrations.
On Sunday, August 13, Raila held talks with the US senator.
“It was a great pleasure as usual to meet and exchange notes with my friend Senator Chris Coons. An afternoon well spent,” Odinga stated.
Also, the meeting between Raila and Coons came a day before the official commencement of the bipartisan talks at the Bomas of Kenya on Monday, August 14.
In 2022, Coon led a delegation from the US that met former President Uhuru Kenyatta, his successor Willliam Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga
Also, Coons played a crucial role in the birthing of the 2018 handshake between the then President Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga.
