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 X formerly known as twitter, stating that the early morning meeting was aimed at bolstering relations and cooperation 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. pic.twitter.com/jxfaAyeG2l
— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) August 18, 2023
“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 acknowledged 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 as well as US Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman was also in attendance.
Last week the Deleware senator Chris Coons met with Azimio la Umoja leader Hon Raila Odinga with sources pointing towards the ongoing dialogue talks between Kenya Kwanza and Azimio as the main agenda of the meeting.
Meanwhile, the State House meeting comes just days after Ambassador Whitman triggered a political fire storm after she publicly hailed Kenya’s August 2022 General Election as the most credible poll the country has ever held.
Her remarks earned the ire leaders from the opposition divide led by Raila Odinga who rebuked her and pointed out that she should not meddle in Kenya’s internal affairs.
Ambassador Whitman, while speaking at the opening of the devolution conference on wednesday opined that the 2022 polls established and affirmed Kenya’s position as the most democratic State in the continent.
“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.” She said.
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 internal 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 said.