Idaho Senator Jim Risch has called for the re-evaluation of US relations with Kenya over President William Ruto’s remarks while in China.

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.

Ruto’s comments

Ruto, while in China, contended that while both the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund have evolved into development finance institutions, the ownership and power remain concentrated in the hands of wealthy countries that they no longer serve effectively.

“This anomaly became apparently glaring during the IMF SDR issuance, where 64 per cent of the allocation ended up with wealthy countries that did not need liquidity support. The poorest countries, which needed it most, received only 2.4 per cent,” he said

“Kenya and China are not merely trade partners; we are co-architects of a new world order—one that is fair, inclusive, and sustainable,” he asserted.

US new demands

Following Ruto’s comments in China, Senator Risch called for the approach on how the US interacts with African leaders.

He implored Trump’s administration to focus on building strong institutions rather than dealing with leaders.

“Still, there are countries where meaningful engagement is possible—but only with sober judgment and clear-eyed realism. We must stop building U.S. policy in Africa around individual leaders and instead focus on strengthening institutions, expanding private sector ties, and empowering the region’s young and dynamic populations,” Risch stated.

“We hold this hearing at a moment of profound urgency—but also real opportunity. By tailoring our strategy and spending to align with the potential of our partners in the region, we can build stronger partnerships that serve both Africa and U.S. national interests— ultimately making America safer, stronger, and more prosperous.”