Ruto Runs To US Ambassador's Rescue After Raila Attack

President William Ruto on Friday, August 18 came to United States (US) Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman's rescue following verbal attacks by former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, during the Devolution Conference in Uasin Gishu County.

Speaking during the official 2Jiajiri/GIZ Graduation Ceremony in Kasarani, Nairobi County, the President criticised Raila over his ungrateful act of going after the US government which has been working hard to create opportunities as well as investing in Kenya.

Ruto pointed out that her remarks terming the 2022 elections as the most credible Kenya has ever had, which she made at the same Devolution Conference, were facts.

“The American ambassador said two statements of facts- she said the last election was the freest and fairest in the history of Kenya, and that is a statement of fact, and she said Kenya is open for business, which is a statement of fact," he stated.

"Surely, let us have some decorum and respect ourselves as we demand respect from others.”

The Head of State also posed a question to his audience on who between the opposition and the US government was likely to go rogue.

“Between the people who are orchestrating the destruction of property and sabotaging our economy and those who are working with us to create investment opportunities and investment capital for the people of Kenya who is more rogue? I think it is for the people of Kenya to judge,” Ruto added.

Ruto earlier met Whitman as well as Delaware Senator Chris Coons who is currently visiting the country, at State House during a closed-door meeting attended by Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua.

"Kenya is keen on enhancing its relations with the United States to expand trade and investment opportunities for citizens of both nations. This mutually beneficial partnership will extend to climate change mitigation efforts and environmental conservation.  

"At State House, Nairobi, held talks with US Senator Chris Coons who appreciated Kenya as one of the most vibrant democracies in the world. Also discussed global security issues, climate change and the progressive path of devolution in Kenya," Ruto described the agenda of the secret meeting in his statement.

Ruto's meeting with Coons and Whitman raised political eyebrows given the growing bad blood between the opposition and the US government.

The Delaware Senator is notably a good friend of Raila and was responsible for the truce brokered between Raila and Ruto in April.

It is yet to be known whether ongoing talks between Raila and Ruto also featured in the early Friday morning talks.

Ruto met Coons days after the Senator met Raila privately in Nairobi, with unconfirmed reports indicating that the talks were part of the American senator's agenda during his visit to the country.

Raila Odinga with US Senator, Chris Coons on August 13, 2023. /RAILA ODINGA