Belgut Member of Parliament Nelson Koech has moved to cool down the simmering diplomatic row between Kenya and the US following President William Ruto’s remarks in China, which rattled Washington, compelling Idaho Senator Jim Risch to call for the reassessment of ties with Nairobi.

In a statement on Monday, May 19, 2025, Koech, in his capacity as Chairman of the Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations Committee of the National Assembly, told Jim Risch that Kenya was not shifting allegiance, but the conversation.

He insisted that Ruto’s sentiments on Kenya and China being co-architects of the new world order should be interpreted to mean Africa has a right to shape its future.

Koech insisted that Kenya was calling for the reengineering of global systems targeting both governance and economic policies.

“President Ruta’s reference to Kenya and China as co-architects of a new world order” must be viewed as an assertion of Africa’s right to shape its future, not as a pivot in allegiance. Kenya is calling for a more just global system, one where Africa contributes meaningfully to international governance and economic policy,” Koech’s letter read in part.

Trump’s reforms

Belgut MP also argued that President Donald Trump has been pushing for reforms within global institutions while demanding better terms for America, and Kenya should be allowed to do the same.

“This aspiration mirrors President Trump’s own push for reform within global institutions. From the United Nations to the World Trade Organization, his administration consistently questioned outdated structures and demanded fairer terms for American interests. Kenya is asking for the same, not to dismantle multilateralism, but to rebuild it on principles of equity and shared responsibility
Shared Concerts on Climate and Trade,” Koech’s letter added.

Koech, however, insisted that both Kenya and the US have shared interests and sticking together would help address some of the pertinent issues including climate financing and many others.

Respectful assessment

With that said, Koech asked Jim Risch to push for the reassessment but at the same time respecting Kenya’s positions on various aspects.

He insisted that the re-evaluation should take deep cognisance of Kenya’s sovereignty.

“If there is a reassessment to be made, then let it be one that recognises sovereignty, agency, and mutual benefit. Kenya is not walking away from the United States. We are widening our diplomatic space; every nation has the right to do so,” Koech insisted.

Jim Risch’s argument

On May 13, 2025, Risch, who also serves as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, indicated that Ruto pledged allegiance to Beijing during his recent state visit.

The senator told the committee that Ruto’s comments directly endorsed Kenya’s embrace of China. To elaborate on his point, Jim Risch vowed to submit Ruto’s speech during his State Visit to China.

“Just last month, President Ruto declared that Kenya, a major non-NATO ally, and China are ‘co-architects of a new world order.” That’s not just alignment to China; it’s allegiance,” he stated.

“I submit for the record the text of that speech. Relying on leaders who embrace Beijing so openly is an error. It’s time to reassess our relationship with Kenya and others who forge tight bonds with China,” he added.