The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is set to send an administrative note of recall to Kenya’s High Commissioner to Namibia His Excellency Benjamin Langat for violating Kenya’s policy against game hunting, The Informer can authoritatively reveal.
Once the consideration is approved by Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Ambassador Raychelle Omama and Principal Secretary Ambassador Macharia Kamau, the High Commission’s Chargé d’Affaires will serve ad interim awaiting subsequent substantive appointment as a replacement.
His Excellency President Uhuru Kenyatta is the appointing authority of all Ambassadors, High Commissioners and Heads of Missions abroad.
In a photo that has since gone viral attracting mixed reactions across social media, Langat is pictured posing against a slain Greater Kudu triggering widespread public outrage.
Although Namibia allows game hunting and wildlife consumptive policy, the government of Kenya banned game hunting in 1977 and ordered companies and individuals holding hunting concessions to convert their hunting trips into photographic safaris.
Diplomats, as official representatives of the presidents, Heads of State and government of the sending state to a host state are cardinally obligated to promote the policies and interests of their country of origin.
“Such manifestations are as a result of political appointments of diplomats as opposed to career professionals who are conversant with the modus operandi of foreign relations.” Patrick Lesito told The Informer.
Kenya has strict anti-poaching laws aimed at deterring illegal trading in ivory, elephant tusks, and rhino horns among other animal trophies.
“Even with the legal practice Namibia has on game hunting practice…for a Kenyan Ambassador Hon Benjamin Langat to participate… he violates his country policy and its commitment which Kenya leads in wildlife conservation and advocate for non-consumptive practices. Shame on you.” Renowned conservationist Karen K Knaust posted on her Twitter handle.
