Kenya 'Disturbed' By UN Official's Comments About President Ruto in Leaked US Documents

Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing'oei says Kenya is disturbed by United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed’s alleged comments about President Ruto. 

Citing leaked US classified documents, BBC reported that Mohammed told UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in February that Ruto was "ruthless" and that she "does not trust him." 

While the authenticity of the documents has not been confirmed, Sing'oei described Mohammed’s comments as "disturbing," adding that "Kenya abhors the surveillance of the leadership of the United Nations."

“Ruto will continue with his international efforts to tackle climate change, reform global financial institutions and offer leadership on regional peace and security issues,” Sing'oei told Reuters.

"The president will therefore not be distracted by the information contained in tainted leaked memorandums," he added.

UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Friday that Mohammed’s comments were horrendously distorted and "taken out of context."

"She has the highest regard for President Ruto and his leadership," said Dujarric, adding that Mohammed will visit Nairobi later this month on a pre-planned trip, in which she will meet Ruto.

Kenya's Ambassador to the UN Martin Kimani said he had spoken to Guterres and Mohammed "to seek clarity on the import of their concerning reported sentiments" and to express Kenya's opposition to the surveillance of the secretary-general.

Kimani noted that the spying was contrary to the founding UN Charter, other international laws and acceptable practices.

"I was reassured by their strong expressions of support, fellow feeling and strong partnership with Kenya and, especially, their respect and regard for President William Ruto," Kimani said.