Nyamita: Kenya must not be bullied into choosing between global powers
By Kiprono Keileb, August 6, 2025Uriri Member of Parliament (MP) Mark Nyamita has joined the growing debate on Kenya’s military and economic ties, stressing that the country should not be pressured or bullied into choosing sides between global superpowers.
Speaking on a political talk show aired by a local television station on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, Nyamita responded to concerns raised in the United States Congress regarding Kenya’s military capabilities and its increasing collaboration with China.
“The senator who had petitioned Congress to review the status of Kenya’s military capabilities and partnerships made a reservation that the president stated that Kenya and China are the architects of the new world order,” he said.
Nyamita acknowledged that the U.S. has long maintained dominance in shaping global power structures.
“Who controls the new world order that is being created? It is the U.S., so it is right that they would be a bit concerned that someone is trying to challenge their dominance for some time,” he stated.
He also highlighted Kenya’s strategic role in the region, noting that its designation as a major non-NATO ally (MNNA) is a move that serves the interests of both nations.
“Before the declaration of Kenya as a major NATO ally, whereas there were efforts from Kenya, there was an equal amount of push from the U.S. because of their interest, because of Kenya’s strategic position in the region,” he said.
While Nyamita admitted the MNNA status benefits Kenya, he warned against attaching the country’s global standing solely to such titles.
“Whereas that status is beneficial to us, it is also much more beneficial to the U.S. We should not find ourselves in a status where we say if they take away this status, then Kenya is a failed state. In any case, we have held the status for only one year,” he remarked.
He stressed the need for Kenya to make sovereign decisions free from external pressure, including on its economic ties.
“The review also touches on economic relations between Kenya and China. Kenya is at liberty to pick which partner suits its economic policies for the benefit of Kenyans,” he said.
Nyamita concluded with a call for national integrity and accountability, especially regarding internal security issues.
“We all, as Kenyans, have said no to abductions either by state or non-state actors, including self-abduction,” he added.
His remarks come amid heightened scrutiny of Kenya’s foreign policy direction, particularly its balancing act between East and West.