Prolific career diplomat and National Security Advisor to president William Ruto, Ambassador Monica Juma has told outgoing American ambassador to Kenya Her Excellency Margaret Cushing Whitman that diplomats exit upon lapse of their tour of duty hours after the latter announced her resignation.
While acknowledging Whitman’s early exit after two years’ tour of duty in Nairobi, Juma underscored president Ruto’s state visit to Washington in May this year as one of Whitman’s hallmark during her tenure.
“Such is the nature of the diplomatic service! You serve and depart! Thank you most sincerely for serving the USA and Kenya with outmost dedication, delivering on many fronts, including a historic state visit.” Juma said through a post on her X account, formerly Twitter.
Whitman, who has served in the envoy role since 2022, conveyed her decision in a statement today, stating that she had submitted her resignation to outgoing United States of America president Joe Biden.
Her announcement comes just days after Donald Trump’s victory in the recently held US elections.
Her resignation comes on the back of a backlash from a section of Kenyans who have sustained all for her recall back to Washington citing her response to an array of issues including her silence on issues such as perceived corruption, extrajudicial killings, and abductions, particularly after the June GenZ movement protests, during which dozens were killed by police and many more were arrested.
The criticism intensified following Trump’s victory over Vice President Kamala Harris, with some on social media calling for Whitman’s immediate recall.
“Today, I announced to my team at the U.S. embassy that I submitted my resignation to President Biden. It has been an honour and privilege to serve the American people through strengthening our partnership with Kenya.” Whitman said.
Further, Whitman expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve as Ambassador and reflected on the significant strides made during her tenure in strengthening U.S.-Kenya relations.
“I am proud of leading a people-centred agenda that saves lives, increases security, and creates economic opportunities for Kenyans and Americans. From delivering emergency funding to alleviate catastrophic flooding in 2023 to the ongoing fight against malaria, HIV, and MPOX, the U.S government prioritizes the health and welfare of our friends in Kenya.” She added.
Whitman announced that Chargé d’Affaires Marc Dillard will continue to offer leadership to staff at the embassy as they advance the shared goals on which the Kenya and US bilateral relationship has long been grounded.
“I have no doubt that our 60 years of partnership will continue to strengthen and serve Americans and Kenyans as we aim to build more prosperous, healthy, secure, and democratic nations. Our relations are stronger than ever, and I am confident this trajectory will continue.” She noted.
Whitman exit comes in the wake of mounting public pressure from Kenyans urging president Trump to recall her.
“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.
Whitman, a former tech CEO and billionaire, broke her silence, stating that: “Like all U.S. ambassadors, I serve at the President’s request.” She said.
