The United States is threatening to review its relationship with Kenya following President William Ruto’s remarks last month in Beijing, where he declared that Kenya and China are “co-architects of a new world order.”
Speaking in the US Senate yesterday, US Senator Jim Risch, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, expressed concern over Kenya’s deepening ties with China, particularly the Head of State’s declaration of Kenya’s deepening ties with China in attempts to form a new world order.
“Just last month, President Ruto declared that Kenya, a major non-NATO ally, and China are ‘co-architects of a new world order.’ That’s not just alignment to China; it’s allegiance,” Senator Risch stated during the hearing.
Senator Risch, while expressing his disappointment, noted that President Ruto’s statement suggested a significant shift in Kenya’s foreign policy orientation, potentially undermining its longstanding partnership with the United States.
He proceeded to caution that relying on leaders who openly embrace Beijing could be detrimental to US interests in the region.
“Relying on leaders who embrace Beijing so openly is an error. It’s time to reassess our relationship with Kenya and others who forge tight bonds with China,” Risch added.
President William Ruto’s State Visit to China last month yielded more than 20 trade agreements and memoranda of understanding aimed at improving various sectors of the economy.
The trade agreements aim to boost road infrastructure, agriculture, health, education, and ICT sectors, among others.
