US envoy sounded like an over-enthusiastic UDA activist
In a nation plagued by rumors of US meddling and a questionable election last August, comments from US envoy to Kenya, Meg Whitman, could not have been more ill-timed.
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Meg Whitman US Envoy to Kenya
"To be an enemy of America can be dangerous, but to be a friend is fatal.” - Henry Kissinger -
She acted like someone trying to stir up issues on a sensitive topic. How can a country be democratic if it disregards its own constitution and criminalizes peaceful protests?
Whitman's comments, ironically echoing the sentiments of UDA activists, have certainly added fuel to the fire. The question now plaguing us all is simple - how did a US envoy come to sound like a UDA activist?
Whitman's Gaffe
Addressing county governors in Eldoret during the annual Devolution conference, Whitman made some controversial remarks. To many, these remarks sounded alarmingly similar to the narrative propagated by the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), the powerhouse party in the Kenya Kwanza coalition that makes up the shaky government of Kenya currently.
While it is perfectly acceptable, even expected, for a US envoy to uphold democratic values, the tone and context of Whitman's statement resonated more with the rhetoric commonly associated with UDA activists.
Inappropriate Interference or Miscommunication?
Given the ongoing politics, Whitman's comments are seen by many as more than just a diplomatic blunder. They are seen as an inappropriate interference in the country's internal affairs. Surprisingly, this mirrors the strong opinions of UDA and Kenya Kwanza activists.
But was this a case of genuine gaffe, or is there more to it than meets the eye?
There are those who have speculated that it was a deliberate and carefully crafted move to help prepare the country for what the US has planned for Kenyans next.
Imagine, if you will, a seasoned diplomat, a representative of one of the world's superpowers, suddenly adopting the tone and rhetoric of an activist from the ruling UDA outfit. Intriguing, isn't it? This was the spectacle that stirred up quite a storm in Kenyan social and political circles yesterday and today.
The Scene
It all began with a rather unassuming keynote address to the governors (it is still fuzzy why she would have been slated to address the governors at that juncture). The US envoy, a seasoned diplomat with an impressive career, was expected to deliver a routine address. But what unfolded was far from routine. The envoy veered off the usual script, adopting a tone and language that bore a striking resemblance to that of a UDA activist.
The Lingering Questions
So why the sudden shift in tone? Was it a calculated move, or an off-the-cuff expression of personal sentiment? Speculation abounds. Some believe it was a deliberate and carefully crafted move to prepare Kenyans for a new US strategy. Others think it was simply a faux pas, a momentary lapse in judgement. However, amidst all these conjectures, one thing is certain: this incident has left an indelible mark on Kenyans still hurting deeply over what transpired last August.
The August 2022 General Elections
The US envoy's first point of contention was her assertion that the August 2022 general elections were the most democratic in Kenyan history. This is a line often touted by UDA activists as well. While it's true that these elections were relatively peaceful, to label them as the 'most democratic' is a bit of a stretch, considering the allegations of voter intimidation and rigging that marred the process.
Kenya as a Democratic Leader
Next, her claim that Kenya is the most democratic country in sub-Saharan Africa echoes the views of UDA activists. This is an outrageous remark to make so soon after the police brutality controversy over peaceful demonstrators that has dominated Kenyan media for weeks on end. And in any case rankings of democracy in Africa vary widely, and several countries in this region have made significant strides towards deepening their democratic practices. To make such a sweeping statement without considering the broader context seems a tad irresponsible.
An Ideal Investment Destination
Finally, her assertion that Kenya is an ideal investment destination despite the rapidly rising taxes stands in sharp contrast to the reality on the ground. This is another argument that mirrors the rhetoric of UDA activists. The fact that investors are leaving the country due to these rising taxes should be a cause for concern, not something to be swept under the rug.
In conclusion, it's rather perplexing to see the US envoy's statements mirroring those of UDA activists. Such comments seem to overlook the complexities and challenges Kenya faces just now, painting an overly optimistic picture that doesn't reflect the reality on the ground.
An Unexpected Resemblance
What struck many Kenyans as unusual was the manner in which the US envoy seemed to align herself with a persona that resembled that of a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) activist. The UDA is a political party in Kenya that has its fair share of controversies. The resemblance was not based on any political affiliations but rather on her seemingly biased stance and prioritisation of certain American commercial interests.
It's rather fascinating, if not entirely alarming, that an individual with such an illustrious career in the corporate realm could echo the sentiments of a UDA activist in her diplomatic approach. You see, Whitman's resume is nothing short of impressive:
President and CEO of eBay from 1998 to 2008.
- Whitman joined eBay in March 1998, when it had 30 employees and revenues of approximately $4 million. Despite initially not wanting to take on the role, during her time as CEO, through 2008, the company grew to approximately 15,000 employees and $8 billion in annual revenue.
- President and CEO of Hewlett Packard Enterprise from 2011 to 2015.
- CEO of Quibi from its launch in 2018 until its closure in 2020.
- A member of the Republican Party who ran for governor of California.
- A senior presidential campaign official for Republican Mitt Romney in 2008 and 2012.
Whitman, however, demonstrated a bipartisan stance by supporting Democrats Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden in the 2016 and 2020 presidential elections, respectively. This showcases her flexibility and open-mindedness when it comes to political affiliations.
A Question of Priorities
The main point of contention that has led to the UDA activist comparison is the perceived prioritisation of commercial interests over human rights. This is a stance often associated with UDA activists who have been accused of putting their own interests before those of the people they represent.
It does raise an intriguing question. Is the pressure of commercial interests causing a shift in the traditional approach of diplomatic envoys? If so, what implications could this have for international relations?
It's a thought-provoking comparison that encourages us to critically evaluate the role of financial interests in diplomatic decisions and the potential consequences this could have on the currently fragile and very vulnerable nation of Kenya.
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