NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 7 – U.S. Ambassador to Kenya, Meg Whitman, has responded to mounting criticism from a section of Kenyans, many of whom have called for her recall following Donald Trump’s election victory.
Critics have questioned her silence on issues such as perceived corruption, extrajudicial killings, and abductions, particularly after the June GenZ movement protests, during which dozens were killed by police and many more were arrested.
Some Kenyans have accused her of overlooking these excesses under President William Ruto’s government, especially amid growing concerns over human rights and democracy.
The criticism intensified following Trump’s victory over Vice President Kamala Harris, with some on social media calling for Whitman’s immediate recall. “Let her go back home to the US now that it is clear Joe Biden is out,” one user wrote on X. Another added, “Meg Whitman should not wait to be recalled, let her just pack and leave Kenya, she has failed.” These sentiments were widely reported in local media.
On Thursday, Whitman, a former tech CEO and billionaire, broke her silence, stating, “Like all U.S. ambassadors, I serve at the President’s request.” She highlighted her role during President Ruto’s recent U.S. state visit, where she facilitated his agenda, showcasing her access and influence—a rare trait for U.S. ambassadors.
Whitman’s approach to diplomacy has largely focused on economic issues, promoting Kenya as an attractive destination for American business under her “Why Africa, Why Kenya” initiative, while sidestepping Kenyan political matters. This has led to her leaving human rights and democratic concerns to other U.S. envoys, which has drawn comparisons to former U.S. Ambassador Smith Hempstone, known for his combative approach.
Her diplomatic style has sparked controversy, particularly for her failure to address the government’s actions during the June protests, which saw over 60 killed, hundreds injured, and numerous arrests. Whitman’s perceived silence on these issues has led to dissatisfaction among many Kenyans, who feel she has not held the government accountable for its actions.
Whitman also responded to calls for her recall, particularly following the election of Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States, with a growing online campaign under the hashtag #RecallMegWhitman. Some Kenyans, including political leaders, criticized her perceived interference with Kenya’s domestic affairs, while others supported her efforts in strengthening U.S.-Kenya relations.
“As a U.S. Ambassador, I serve at the request of the President,” Whitman said, reaffirming her commitment to her duties despite the change in leadership in Washington. She emphasized that her team continues to focus on advancing the shared goals of increased prosperity, security, and respect for democratic values between the U.S. and Kenya.
Reflecting on the long-standing relationship between the two countries, which she described as having matured over the past 60 years, Whitman expressed confidence that the bilateral ties would remain strong. “Our relations have never been stronger, and I am confident this trajectory will continue,” she stated.
During her tenure, Whitman has faced both praise and criticism. In August 2023, Azimio La Umoja leader Raila Odinga accused her of overstepping diplomatic boundaries and meddling in Kenya’s affairs, particularly over her comments on the 2022 general election’s credibility. Odinga called for her recall, saying, “Kenya is not a colony of the United States.”
Whitman has also faced criticism for not addressing the security forces’ conduct during the protests against the Finance Bill 2024, which led to a crackdown on demonstrators and the deaths of over 60 people. Critics argue that her silence on these human rights concerns has contributed to the perception that she is not holding the Ruto administration accountable.
Appointed by President Joe Biden in December 2021, Whitman succeeded Kyle McCarter, who had been appointed during the Trump administration. Her tenure in Nairobi, which began in August 2022, has been marked by both diplomatic challenges and efforts to advance U.S.-Kenya relations.
