Billionaire Diplomat Meg Whitman Resigns as US Ambassador to Kenya

The US Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman resigned on Wednesday, a week after the unexpected return of Donald Trump to the presidency, and amid persistent demands from frustrated Kenyans for her to step down.

Whitman, an American billionaire and the second female US ambassador to Kenya has tendered her resignation to outgoing President Joe Biden. The embassy will now be led by Chargé d'Affaires Marc Dillard. In her resignation statement, Whitman highlights her achievements during her tenure, including various trade, health, and security deals between Kenya and the United States. She notably cited Kenya's elevation as the first major non-NATO ally in sub-Saharan Africa. Whitman, a former Wall Street executive, arrived in Kenya as the country prepared for the 2022 elections, which saw William Ruto become the fifth President.

“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 US government prioritises the health and welfare of our friends in Kenya,” her statement reads in part.

She replaced Kyle McCarter, a Trump appointee who resigned after Biden took office. Both Whitman and McCarter were political appointees rather than career diplomats. During her time in Kenya, Whitman focused on strengthening business ties but faced criticism for allegedly ignoring civil liberties violations by government operatives. She was a public supporter of the Ruto administration and was once labelled a "rogue ambassador" by opposition leader Raila Odinga, though the two later reconciled.

Whitman also faced backlash for her perceived silence on issues such as abductions and disappearances of civilians, particularly following the Gen Z protests in June. Western diplomatic missions took about ten days to condemn the violence. Recently, she condemned police use of mobile phone tracking to apprehend suspects, following an exposé by the Nation. However, critics accused her of refusing to sign a statement calling for urgent investigations into disappearances.

In her farewell statement, Whitman expresses confidence in the continued strong relationship between Kenya and the United States, stating, "I have no doubt that our 60 years of partnership will continue to strengthen and serve Americans and Kenyans as we aim to build more prosperous, healthy, secure, and democratic nations. Our relations are stronger than ever, and I am confident this trajectory will continue."

As Whitman departs, the focus now shifts to her successor and the future of US-Kenya relations under the new administration.