Ruto bids farewell to U.S. Ambassador Meg Whitman

President William Ruto has officially bid farewell to outgoing U.S. Ambassador to Kenya, Meg Whitman, who recently handed in her resignation to President Joe Biden.

In a statement on X, following a ceremony at State House, Nairobi, on Tuesday, President Ruto praised Whitman's efforts in advancing the Kenya-U.S. relationship, particularly over the past two years.

"Bid farewell to outgoing US Ambassador Meg Whitman, State House, Nairobi. She has worked hard for the Kenya-United States partnership. For that, we are immensely grateful," Ruto's X statement reads in part.

He further underscored the deep and enduring partnership between Kenya and the United States, a relationship that spans more than six decades.

"Kenya and the United States have enjoyed robust diplomatic relations for 60 years. These ties have been strengthened by our common and shared values of democracy, the rule of law and freedom," Ruto said.

"In the past two years, our  diplomatic ties have been elevated to the status of Major non-NATO ally, signifying a high point for the relations between our two countries and peoples."

On Sunday, Whitman revealed that her surprise exit was prompted by the soon-to-be effected change in the White House leadership after Donald Trump's victory in the recently held US elections.

The US envoy  had initially stated she wanted ample time to settle her family back in the United States.

"Well, when new presidents and new administrations come in, it's customary that ambassadors submit their letters of resignation. I decided to do it now because we have three young grandchildren," she told Sunday Nation.

"My husband has a job in the U.S., and we need to get back and get settled. The embassy is in very good hands with Charge d'Affairs Marc Dillard."

Whitman further dismissed allegations that the exit was due to criticism but a noble move to peacefully welcome the new administration.

"I've been in politics for a long time so I know how this works. This is much more about peace transfer of power, a new administration and whole set of new ambassadors," she added.

Whitman had served in the envoy role since August 2022.