President William Ruto on Friday morning held a meeting with United States Senator Chris Coons at State House, Nairobi.
The Head of State confirmed the meeting on Twitter, stating that it was aimed at enhancing relations between Kenya and the US.
“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,” said Ruto.
The President also pointed out that Senator Coons recognised Kenya “as one of the most vibrant democracies in the world.”
“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,” said Ruto.
Also present at the meeting was Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Dr. Alfred Mutua and US Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman.
Last week, Senator Coons met with Azimio leader Raila Odinga with sources intimating that the highlight of the talks was the ongoing dialogue between Kenya Kwanza and Azimio.
Also Read: Chris Coons: The US statesman who visits Kenya at crucial political moments
Meanwhile, the State House meeting comes just days after Ambassador Whitman triggered a political fireball after she publicly hailed Kenya’s August 2022 General Election as the most credible poll the country has ever held.
Her remarks irked opposition leaders led by Raila Odinga who rebuked her and warned that she should not meddle in Kenya’s affairs.
Ambassador Whitman, while speaking at the opening of the same Devolution Conference on Wednesday, opined that the 2022 polls affirmed Kenya’s position as the most democratic State in the continent.
She said: “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.”
In response, Mr. Odinga, while addressing the Devolution Conference in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County on Thursday, chastised Whitman for what he termed as meddling in Kenya’s 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,” Odinga stated.
