Nairobi, Kenya | By Michael Wandati | Meg Whitman, the United States Ambassador to Kenya, has announced her decision to step down after serving for two years. In a statement to the press, Whitman confirmed that she had officially submitted her resignation to President Joe Biden.
Her tenure, marked by a focus on strengthening U.S.-Kenya relations, has drawn to a close as she prepares for the next chapter in her career.
“Today, I announced to my team at the U.S. embassy that I submitted my resignation to President Biden,” read the statement in part.
“It has been an honor and privilege to serve the American people through strengthening our partnership with Kenya.”
Her resignation follows mounting criticism from segments of the Kenyan public who had been calling for her return to Washington. These critics pointed to her perceived inaction on issues such as corruption, extrajudicial killings, and abductions, particularly after the June GenZ movement protests, during which police actions led to numerous deaths and arrests.
The backlash grew even stronger after Donald Trump’s recent victory over Vice President Kamala Harris, with some Kenyans taking to social media to demand Whitman’s immediate recall.
“Let her go back home to the US now that it is clear Joe Biden is out,” one user wrote on X. Another added, “Meg Whitman should not wait to be recalled, let her just pack and leave Kenya, she has failed.” These sentiments were widely reported in local media.
On Thursday, Whitman, a former tech CEO and billionaire, broke her silence, stating, “Like all U.S. ambassadors, I serve at the President’s request.”
She highlighted her role during President Ruto’s recent U.S. state visit, where she facilitated his agenda, showcasing her access and influence—a rare trait for U.S. ambassadors.
Whitman’s diplomatic focus has centered on economic development, with her “Why Africa, Why Kenya” initiative promoting Kenya as an appealing destination for American investors. In doing so, she often sidestepped local political issues, leaving matters of human rights and democracy to other U.S. envoys.
Her approach has sparked comparisons to former U.S. Ambassador Smith Hempstone, known for his more confrontational stance on Kenyan governance.
Her silence on government actions during the June protests, where over 60 people lost their lives, hundreds were injured, and many were detained, has been particularly controversial. Many Kenyans feel her lack of response has fallen short of holding the government accountable.
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In response to rising criticism, especially following Donald Trump’s election victory, a social media campaign under #RecallMegWhitman gained traction, with calls for her recall echoing across online platforms. While some Kenyans, including political leaders, viewed her approach as interference in Kenya’s domestic matters, others appreciated her efforts to strengthen U.S.-Kenya economic ties.
Whitman’s resignation comes just weeks before the January inauguration of the next U.S. president, marking the end of her term amid ongoing debates over her diplomatic legacy in Kenya.
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