The outgoing US Ambassador to Kenya, Meg Whitman, has come out to reveal a critical role the National Security Advisor to President William Ruto, Monica Juma, played during her tenure as an envoy in the country.
In a statement on Thursday, November 14, 2024, Whitman explained that Juma played an integral role in fostering the Kenya-U.S. ties.
Whitman added that Juma stood as a fierce advocate of Kenyan security through her tour of duty in the country.
Without delving deeper into how Juma contributed to her success as US Ambassador to Kenya, Whitman made it clear that she would miss their close working relationship.
In the photo that accompanied the statement, Whitman posed with a bouquet of flowers while wearing a welcoming smile, signifying her cordial ties with Monica Juma.
“Monica Juma has been critical to the success of the 🇺🇸🇰🇪 relationship in my time here. She is a true champion of Kenyan security, and I will greatly miss working with her,” Meg Whitman wrote on her X account.
Juma’s message
Juma was among the first people to react to Whitman’s resignation. In her statement on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, Juma, who served in various capacities under former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration, described the ambassador as a devoted envoy who served Kenya with utmost dedication.
She added that Whitman was a friend of the country who helped secure the historical state visit where President Ruto was hosted by outgoing President Joe Biden.
“Thank you most sincerely for serving the USA and Kenya with utmost dedication, delivering on many fronts, including a historic state visit,” Juma’s statement read in part.
Such is the nature of the diplomatic service! You serve and depart!
— Amb. Dr. Monica Juma (@AmbMonicaJuma) November 13, 2024
Thank you most sincerely for serving the USA and Kenya with outmost dedication, delivering on many fronts, including a historic State Visit.
| @USAmbKenya
| @USEmbassyKenya pic.twitter.com/b9pQkzPMau
Resignation
The resignation caught many Kenyans by surprise. Whitman, who had been under immense pressure from a section of Kenyans following the triumphant return of Donald Trump to the White House, stated that she had tendered her resignation to outgoing US President Biden.
In a press statement, Whitman highlighted her achievements in the position, citing the various trade, health, and security deals that Kenya signed with the US, such as the elevation of Kenya as its first major non-NATO ally in sub-Saharan Africa.
“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,” the statement read in part.
