US Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch has once again voiced concerns over Kenya’s ties with China.
In a statement via X on Wednesday, May 22, Risch termed Kenya’s relationship with China as troubling.
He argued that China is the United States' biggest competitor, and Kenya's close ties with Beijing pose a potential risk to American interests
“Kenya plays a vital role in regional counterterrorism and stability. But as our newest Major Non-NATO Ally, Kenya's ties with China are troubling. "Widened diplomacy" with America's greatest competitor is not an alliance—it’s a risk for the U.S. to assess,” Senator Risch stated.
This comes even after Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi wrote to Risch explaining Kenya’s position on its ties with China.
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Mudavadi also said he has invited the U.S. Senator to visit Kenya for a more detailed conversation.
"When Kenya engages or talks, it should not be taken out of context. I have written a formal letter to the Senator explaining Kenya's position and getting him to appreciate the context in which the statement he is alluding to was made,” said Mudavadi.
He added, “I have invited him, if he pleases, to come to Kenya and have a more detailed conversation.”
Risch, earlier this month, said the U.S. government should exercise restraint with African nations having ties with China.
He took issue with President William Ruto’s speech in China, where he said Nairobi and Beijing are co-architects of a new world order.
“Just last month, President Ruto declared that Kenya, a major non-NATO ally, and China are ‘co-architects of a new world order.’ That is not just alignment to China, it’s allegiance.
“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,” Senator Risch remarked.
