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US Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman has resigned.

 In a notice to newsrooms yesterday, Whitman said that she has also issued her resignation to outgoing US President Joe Biden.

 “Today, I announced to my team at the US 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,” said Whitman.

 The envoy has served as the head of the Kenyan embassy since August 2022 after a unanimous vote by the US Senate electing her as the 18th ambassador to Kenya. She has since served under the leadership of President Joe Biden.

 Her resignation comes just a few days after Republican candidate Donald Trump won the US elections by a huge margin.

 Despite her tenure in the country, the American ambassador said she is proud of the achievements the embassy has made under her leadership.

 “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 US government prioritizes the health and welfare of our friends in Kenya,” said Whitman.

 She also emphasised that her efforts saw more American companies conduct business in Kenya, creating more trade, jobs, and US investments, in addition to fast-tracking consular services in the embassy.

 Additionally, during her term, Kenya was elevated to become the first major non-NATO ally in sub-Saharan Africa. She says this move protected the two countries’ shared democratic values and enhanced security.

 She noted that Chargé d’Affaires Marc Dillard will continue to serve at the embassy to advance the shared goals of both countries.

 Her resignation also comes after immense criticism from a fraction of Kenyans who have pressured her to resign following her silence on several issues that have been affecting the country. After Trump’s victory last week, Kenyans held an intense online campaign under the hashtag #RecallMegWhitman.

Immediately after the news of her resignation filtered through, Kenyans took to social media to express their views, with many welcoming the move and terming it long overdue. Others however lavished her with praises, terming her the best US ambassador to Kenya.

 @MigunaMiguna said: “She is gone…going. But as I cautioned, it makes no difference with the imperialists. The next one will be as bad, if not worse. But hey, good riddance, Ms. Whitman.”

 Outspoken lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi disagreed, stating thus: “Amb. Meg Whitman is an amazing and impactful Ambassador. She has been a good and loving friend of Kenya and her people and will be greatly missed.”

  @RealOmtatah stated: “You caused us so much pain, Meg Whitman. Sided with our oppressors and applauded them as they murdered protesters on the streets. Stood silently as others were abducted and disappeared. And now, as you resign and go back home. We are firmly closing the door behind you. You’re not welcome back into our country!”

 @BernardKavuli asserted: “Don’t joke with Kenyans bwana. That pressure was too much for her to withstand. Kenyans hate her.”

 @bonntta “That was long overdue and no one will miss her apart from the tyrant himself.” Meanwhile, following President Donald Trump’s election 

During her tenure, Whitman remained silent on several critical issues including corruption, femicide, extra-judicial killings, and abductions, particularly during the anti-finance bill protests that saw police kill tens of young protestors.

 Kenyans blamed her silence for ignoring the excesses during President William Ruto’s administration, despite growing concerns about human rights abuses and democracy.

 Whitman has also been accused of meddling in Kenya’s affairs after she commented on the country’s political landscape and electoral processes for the 2022 elections.  Whitman insisted that the elections passed the credibility test, terming it as the most transparent elections ever held.

Last year, Azimio leader Raila Odinga warned the ambassador to stop interfering or she will be recalled to her country.

“Tell the rogue ambassador that Kenya is not the United States and Kenya is not a colony of the United States. Keep your mouth shut when you are here otherwise, we will call for your recall,” said Raila while speaking at the devolution conference in August 2023.

She has since been accused of ‘flirting’ with the government and failing to prioritize the most pressing issues in the country.

Since Trump’s victory, her criticism has increased even more, with some implying that she has no business in Kenya.

“Like all U.S. ambassadors, I serve at the request of the President. The American people have spoken, and a new President will be inaugurated in January. I wish him and his new team success,” said Whitman.

Following her resignation, Kenyans have not shied away from expressing their satisfaction saying it was due.