Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei has described the outgoing US Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman as the best envoy the country has ever had.
In a statement on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, the vocal senator credited Whitman for promoting Kenya’s interests in the global arena such as pushing for trade ties.
The Nandi Senator further added that Whitman played a critical role in securing the Haiti Peacekeeping mission.
Moreover, he added that Whitman played an instrumental role during President William Ruto’s State Visit to the US.
“She will be remembered as the best Ambassador in the country for promoting Kenya’s interests in trade and security including the success of the Haiti Mission and state visit of President William Ruto where the country shall benefit greatly,” Cherargei added.
H.E Whitman has just resign as USA 🇺🇸 Ambassador to Kenya.
— Senator Kiprotich Arap Cherargei (@scherargei) November 13, 2024
She will be remembered as the best Ambassador in the country for promoting kenyas' 🇰🇪 interests on trade & security including success of Haiti Mission and state visit of H.E Ruto where the country shall benefit greatly.… pic.twitter.com/AGl5roH2x9
Other messages
Besides Cherargei, National Security Advisor to the President, Monica Juma has also sent a message of goodwill to Whitman following her resignation.
Monica Juma detailed that the outgoing ambassador served Kenya with utmost dedication, listing Ruto’s US visit as among her achievements.
“Such is the nature of the diplomatic service! You serve and depart! Thank you most sincerely for serving the USA and Kenya with utmost dedication, delivering on many fronts, including a historic State Visit,” Juma wrote.
Such is the nature of the diplomatic service! You serve and depart!
— Amb. Dr. Monica Juma (@AmbMonicaJuma) November 13, 2024
Thank you most sincerely for serving the USA and Kenya with outmost dedication, delivering on many fronts, including a historic State Visit.
| @USAmbKenya
| @USEmbassyKenya pic.twitter.com/b9pQkzPMau
Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma on his side indicated that Whitman was a good friend to the country.
Head of Presidential Special Projects Dennis Itumbi on the other hand noted that Whitman redefined diplomacy following her tenure in Kenya.
Resignation
Whitman resigned on Wednesday, November 13, coming a week after the return of Donald Trump to the White House. After the win, a section of Kenyans online called for Whitman’s ouster.
The American businesswoman stated that she had tendered her resignation to outgoing US President Joe Biden.
The Embassy will now be under the leadership of Chargé d’Affaires Marc Dillard.
In a press statement, Whitman highlighted her achievements in the position, citing the various trade, health and security deals that Kenya signed with the US such as the elevation of Kenya as its first major non-NATO ally in sub-Saharan Africa.
“I am proud of leading a people-centred agenda that saves lives, increases security, and creates economic opportunities for Kenyans and Americans.
“From delivering emergency funding to alleviate catastrophic flooding in 2023 to the ongoing fight against malaria, HIV, and MPOX, the U.S government prioritizes the health and welfare of our friends in Kenya,” the statement read in part.
