US Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman has resigned, ending her two-year term marked by diplomacy and controversy. Whitman In her statement,confirmed she had submitted her resignation to President Joe Biden. “It has been an honor to serve the American people by strengthening our partnership with Kenya,” she said. She emphasized that ambassadors serve at the president’s request.
Her decision follows strong criticism from Kenyans online and opposition leaders after Donald Trump’s November 5 election victory. Martha Karua, a prominent opposition leader, welcomed Whitman’s resignation, saying Kenyans now hope for a more impartial ambassador under Trump’s administration.
Whitman’s approach sparked debate from the start of her tenure. In August 2022, shortly after her arrival, she issued a security alert advising Americans in Kisumu to stay cautious ahead of the presidential election. Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o defended the city’s safety and labeled the alert misleading.
During the election, Meg called Kenya’s poll “one of the most credible.” Her comment sparked backlash from opposition leaders. Raila Odinga, leader of Azimio la Umoja One Kenya, urged her to stay out of Kenya’s political affairs, declaring, “Kenya is not a US colony.”
Whitman consistently asserted that the US had no preferred candidate in Kenya’s 2022 election. However, her support for the Kenya Kwanza administration and close ties with President William Ruto drew accusations of bias. Despite these challenges, Whitman highlighted her accomplishments in her resignation statement. She cited her work in healthcare, emergency flood relief, and economic growth initiatives.
Whitman described her work as “people-centered.” Her resignation aligns with opposition calls for a new ambassador as Trump’s administration prepares to take office
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