Meg Whitman faces uncertainty as Ambassador following Trump's election

There was a lot at stake in the US elections, with the outcome affecting the super power's democratic ideals and relationship with other countries.

Kenya enjoys cordial relations with the US government based on trade and investment, security and governance policies. 

President William Ruto and incumbent President Joe Biden share similar ideas on the support of strengthening Kenya's democracy and infrastructural development.

This was evident in the state visit accorded to Ruto in May 2024, the first state visit for an African leader in 16 years. 

Further, the US-backed Kenya in its multi-national support mission to Haiti, pledging over Ksh.38.5 billion. 

At the heart of these deals has been US Ambassador Whitman who has been key in appealing to American investors to pour billions into the country. 

Emanating from a background in the Silicon Valley where she has led multinational corporations to success, Whitman has been pivotal in imploring the US government to support President Ruto's ideologies. 

Following Trump's victory, there has been a growing sentiment that Whitman may soon be recalled, a potential recipe for disaster in Ruto's administration which might no longer enjoy the same level of support from the superpower. 

This also saw the #recallMegWhitman trend on X platform for the better of this past week with the majority of Kenyans online accusing her of constantly meddling in the country's internal affairs. 

Where did it go wrong for the former tech billionaire? 

Whitman was appointed by US President Biden in December 2021, taking over from Kyle McCarter. 

Her turmoil ensued during the post-2022 General Election when she described the election as 'the most free and credible.'

Her remarks rubbed many people the wrong way including Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga who accused her of meddling in the country's affairs. 

"Tell the rogue ambassador that Kenya is not the United States. Kenya is not a colony of the United States. Keep your mouth (shut) while you are here. Otherwise, we will call for your recall back to your country," Raila said during a meeting with governors on August 14, 2023. 

Whitman has been a strong advocate for Ruto, praising him for his work ethic in running the affairs of the country. This has led to a public perception of Ruto as the United States' puppet. 

Whitman also faced criticism following her response to police brutality during the anti-government protests that rocked the country in June-August 2024.

The protests saw over 60 people killed and over 66 people vanishing without a trace, according to Human Rights Groups. 

Despite Whitman raising concerns about human rights violations, some argued that the response was insufficient as it perceived that she was not the best fit to hold the Ruto administration accountable. 

Further, the calls for her exit have grown in the past two years of President Ruto's administration, seemingly more during Trump's victory as the 47th US President.  

In response to the criticism, Whitman confirmed her commitment to her duties as the ambassador saying: "As the U.S ambassador, I serve at the request of the President. Our relations have never been stronger and I am confident this trajectory will continue."

With Trump taking over office in January 2025, only time will tell on how the existing Kenya-US relationship will be affected and Whitman's fate as the US ambassador.