Wednesday, May 14, 2025 - President William Ruto’s recent remarks in Beijing, describing Kenya and China as “co-architects of a new world order,” have sparked concern in Washington, prompting U.S Senator Jim Risch to call for a reassessment of the U.S-Kenya relationship.
Speaking during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing
on East Africa and the Horn of Africa on Tuesday, May 13th, Senator
Risch warned that Kenya’s growing alignment with China may signal a shift in
global allegiances.
“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,” the statement read in part.
“I
submit for the record the text of that speech. 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," the statement
continued.
The Idaho Senator, who chairs the influential committee,
argued that such rhetoric should prompt a serious re-evaluation of U.S
engagement with Kenya.
He submitted Ruto’s speech to the Senate record and
cautioned against building U.S foreign policy around leaders who openly embrace
Beijing.
Ruto’s April visit to China led to several agreements in
agriculture, technology, and green energy, with China pledging to fast-track
their implementation.
Senator Risch further urged the U.S. to shift its Africa
strategy toward strengthening institutions, expanding private-sector ties, and
empowering the continent’s youth.
“We must stop centering U.S. policy around individual
leaders and focus on long-term stability.
“Many governments in the region are not wholly legitimate,
raising concerns over whether engagement is worth the cost,” he added.
The Kenyan DAILY POST
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