President William Ruto on Friday, August 18 hosted US Senator Chris Coons, Ambassador Meg Whitman, and Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua at State House, Nairobi.

In a statement, President Ruto pointed out that Kenya is keen on enhancing its relations with the United States to expand trade and investment opportunities for citizens of both nations.

“This mutually beneficial partnership will extend to climate change mitigation efforts and environmental conservation,” Ruto noted.

The president also criticized Azimio leaders for organizing anti-government protests that led to the loss of lives and the destruction of property.

“I was asking myself between the people organizing demonstrations and destroying property and the U.S Ambassador, who is rogue? I leave it up to Kenyans to decide,” said President Ruto.

At the same time, Senator Coons appreciated Kenya as one of the most vibrant democracies in the world.

They also discussed global security issues, climate change, and the progressive path of devolution in Kenya.

The president’s remarks emerge a day after Azimio leader Raila Odinga referred to the US Ambassador Meg Whitman as a rogue envoy, following her remarks that Kenya held free and fair elections in 2022.

Other leaders including Siaya County Senator Oburu Odinga and National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi refuted Whitman’s remarks as baseless and false.

On the other hand, leaders from the Kenya Kwanza coalition including Nandi County Governor Stephen Sang, his Nakuru counterpart Susan Kihika and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa criticized Raila for attacking the US Ambassador.

Speaking during a press briefing, Governor Susan Kihika termed Raila’s remarks as unfortunate, adding that the Azimio leader should apologize to Ambassador Meg Whitman.