Trump Nominates Kyle McCarter to Be New US Ambassador to Kenya

President Donald Trump has nominated Illinois State Senator Kyle McCarter as the new United States Ambassador to Kenya to replace Robert Godec.

The announcement was made in a statement issued by the White House through its website on Wednesday.

McCarter will take over from Godec, who was appointed by retired President Barack Obama in 2012, after an approval by the United States Senate.

Trump cited Kyle's long history of charity ties with Kenya as the reason why he settled on him. The statement by White House said that McCarter would be “ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of the United States of American to the Republic of Kenya.”

The release also noted that McCarter “served as a field auditor, missionary and international director of Each One Feed One International, based in Lebanon, Illinois, with an office in Mukothima, (Tharaka-Nithi County)".

Taking to Twitter after the news, McCarter welcomed the nomination, stating he that he is ready to take up the task.

“Honor to be asked to represent Pres Trump & USA in country I have lived & served,” he said.

“Look forward to closer relationship benefiting both our nations. Left legacy of honoring God, serving others & saving lives of children in Kenya.”

McCarter and his wife are fluent speak Swahili speakers.

“We have a great love for that country and the people,” McCarter is quoted as saying .

“This is the highest of honors to represent the United States and show the generosity of the people of the United States to a people we know well and love.” 

McCarter said he is ready to deal with criticism for Trump’s reported “shithole” remarks about African nations.

“No democracy is without some messiness. Every democracy has some messy parts. Sometimes to become the country you’re going to become, you go through some struggles,” McCarter is quoted by Belleville News-Democrat as saying.

“It’s no different anywhere in the world. I know the country I’m going to. And I know how generous our country is, and I think the people of Kenya do, too.”