Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi has sought to quell growing concerns over a proposed US Congressional review of Kenya’s recently conferred Major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) status.

Speaking during an appearance before the National Assembly Committee on Regional Integration, Mudavadi clarified that the review—introduced as an amendment to the US National Defence Authorisation Act by Senator James Risch—is part of a legislative process and not a directive from the US executive branch.

“While addressing the committee, I took the opportunity to clarify recent misconceptions surrounding Kenya-U.S. relations. I emphasised that the proposed amendment… was part of a legislative process within the US Congress, not an executive directive,” said Mudavadi. “It is therefore important to view such developments within their proper institutional context.”

The clarification follows a sharp political rebuke by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who accused President William Ruto’s administration of mishandling foreign relations and risking Kenya’s strategic standing with the US.

Status under review

Kenya was granted MNNA status on June 24, 2024, during President Ruto’s state visit to Washington, making it the first sub-Saharan African country to receive the designation.

The status is considered a significant step in deepening defence, security, and economic cooperation between the two nations.

Mudavadi, however, downplayed these concerns and urged the public to treat the review as a standard component of Congressional oversight, not a punitive measure. “This is not a direct challenge from the U.S. President. Kenya continues to enjoy strong bilateral ties with the United States,” he said.

Diplomacy on regional issues

In his address, Mudavadi also touched on pressing regional concerns. He flagged the ongoing trade restrictions imposed by Tanzania on Kenyan businesspeople and reiterated Kenya’s commitment to resolving the matter through diplomacy.

“I also presented Kenya’s position on key regional matters, including the ongoing trade restrictions affecting Kenyan businesspeople in Tanzania and the persistent security concerns around Migingo Island in Lake Victoria,” said Mudavadi. “We remain firm in our belief in resolving such issues through dialogue and in the spirit of regional cooperation.”

Calls for unity

As political rhetoric intensifies, with Gachagua blaming the Ruto administration for what he terms governance failures, Mudavadi urged restraint and unity.

“Kenya is a sovereign, dignified state, deserving of equal respect in the global arena,” he said. “Let us stand firm in defending our national interests and carry our identity with pride.”

With a 90- to 180-day review window now active, all eyes remain on the evolving dynamics between Nairobi and Washington—and the local political tensions brewing around it.