Alfred Mutua, Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs, has defended US Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman from criticisms by Azimio la Umoja coalition members led by Raila Odinga over her views on Kenya's previous general election.
Mutua described Whitman's remarks as "forthright and honest" in a statement released on Thursday, adding that "she stated facts." said Mutua
AMERICAN AMBASSADOR SPOKE THE TRUTH AND SHOULD NOT BE DISTURBED
Did you read this?
— Dr. Alfred N. Mutua (@DrAlfredMutua) August 17, 2023
The Kenyan Government welcomes the forthright and honest comments that the @USAmbKenya made on the positive strides that Kenya has made in the last one year. She stated facts and paid tribute to the democratic way… pic.twitter.com/Sl0Xd6pM5E
Ambassador Whitman received backlash from the opposition after statements she made during the 10th Devolution Conference in uasin gishu county, preceded by President Ruto. Whitman remarked that the 2022 general elections were the most credible ever witnessed in kenyas history.
“I arrived in Kenya days before the August 2022 General Election, and what I witnessed was nothing short of remarkable. Kenya held, what many analysts and commentators say, was the free-est, fairest and most credible election in Kenyan history,” said Meg Whitman
the opposition was not pleased with the ambassador's remarks and warned her to stay away from Kenyan affairs.
“I want to tell the rogue ambassador, leave Kenyans alone. If maandamano can lead to dialogue between Ichung’wah and Kalonzo, everything is good with maandamano,” said Raila.
Foreign Affairs CS Mutua, on the other hand, has dismissed Odinga's threat to recall the US Ambassador, saying that kenya values its diplomatic relationships and members should not be threatened.
"We value our development partners and members of the Diplomatic corps should not feel threatened or intimidated by unwarranted threats." said the CS
"If Kenya has a problem with any diplomat or country, it is the work of the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs to summon and seek clarification. It is only the Government of Kenya that can seek the recalling of an envoy. " he added.
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