Foreign Affairs CS Dr. Alfred Mutua has come forward in support of US Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman amidst criticism by opposition-affiliated leaders led by Raila Odinga regarding her comments on Kenya’s recent General Election.

In a statement released on Thursday, Dr. Mutua characterized Whitman’s remarks as “direct and candid”, further noting that she “presented accurate information.”

“The Kenyan Government welcomes the forthright and honest comments that the @USAmbKenya made on the positive strides that Kenya has made in the last one year. She stated facts and paid tribute to the democratic way our constitutional institutions oversaw a credible electoral process that has set Kenya on a transformative path,” Dr. Mutua said.

Ambassador Whitman expressed her view that the 2022 polls confirmed Kenya’s status as the most democratic nation on the African continent.

“I arrived in Kenya just days before the August 2022 General Election, and what unfolded was truly remarkable. Many analysts and commentators argue that Kenya conducted its freest, fairest, and most credible election in its history,” she stated.

In response, Raila Odinga, speaking at the Devolution Conference in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County on Thursday, criticized Whitman for what he perceived as interference 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 stated.

He proceeded to mention that if Whitman persists in making remarks about Kenyan matters, the opposition faction might feel compelled to formally request the US government to withdraw her from her role.

Nonetheless, Foreign Affairs CS Dr. Alfred Mutua has minimized Odinga’s ultimatum regarding the potential recall of the US Ambassador.

“We value our development partners and members of the Diplomatic corps should not feel threatened or intimidated by unwarranted threats. If Kenya has a problem with any diplomat or country, it is the work of the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs to summon and seek clarification. It is only the Government of Kenya that can seek the recalling of an envoy,” Mutua noted.

“As a Government, we will work with those attuned to the transformational plan and welcome our partners who can see that Kenya is moving in the right direction.”