Kenya Ex-Envoy Criticises US Over Integrity Call: “Lecture less, renew US democracy”
Kenya’s ex-UN envoy has expressed disapproval of a US government’s commentary on governance in Kenya, despite Nairobi’s concurrence.
The matter at hand involves the current scrutiny of cabinet secretary candidates in Kenya who are accused of having integrity concerns.
On Thursday, August 1, the US Embassy advised Kenyan legislators to disqualify nominees with previous integrity issues, after demonstrations led President William Ruto to dismiss his entire ministerial team.
“As Kenyans look ahead to the vetting of Cabinet nominees beginning today, we recognize the importance of integrity in public service and the National Assembly’s vital role in upholding Chapter Six of Kenya’s Constitution,” the Embassy said on August 1 without naming names.
However, Martin Kimani, who served as Kenya’s permanent representative to the United Nations in New York until April of this year, perceived the US remarks as an unnecessary lecture for Kenya.
Instead, he viewed them as a diversion from Washington’s international shortcomings, such as the continuing conflict in Gaza, where efforts to achieve a ceasefire have been unsuccessful.
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“Since my former @ForeignOfficeKE (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) colleagues are restrained by their diplomatic sensibilities, I will respond to this grating lecture from the US experiencing political violence, plummeting trust in its electoral institutions, and an uncertain transfer of power,” Dr Kimani, now working for a think-tank in New York, wrote on X.
“Lecture less, renew US democracy, and deliver a ceasefire in Gaza.”
On Friday, August 2, Kenya said it wouldn’t respond directly to the US embassy’s comments, although it agreed with the call to prioritize integrity issues.
“The statement (by the US Embassy) expresses a view that aligns with that of many Kenyans and is consistent with our Constitution,” said Dr Korir Sing’oei, Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs.
“We take no serious issue with it,” he told The EastAfrican.
The dissolution of the cabinet was initially the result of intense pressure from Gen-Z protesters in Nairobi, who first forced the government to withdraw a controversial finance bill.
The US government initially held back from intervening in the protests but later cautioned Nairobi against using excessive force on demonstrators and emphasized the importance of respecting civil liberties.
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The newly proposed cabinet includes several opposition figures, some of whom have faced legal scrutiny for allegations of fund misappropriation.
However, when the protests started in June, the US administration found itself in a challenging position, with critics claiming it ignored Nairobi’s preparation of a controversial tax law package.
Just days after the nationwide protests erupted, Washington designated Kenya as a major non-NATO ally, which typically provides Nairobi access to certain military technologies from Washington, for a fee.
Since then, Western diplomats have carefully balanced advocating for civil liberties while avoiding harm to the growing relationship with President William Ruto’s administration.
In May, Ruto made a state visit to Washington, marking the first visit by an African leader since 2008.
Kenya Ex-Envoy Criticises US Over Integrity Call: “Lecture less, renew US democracy”
