Editor's Review

"Do the right thing and impose sanctions on William Ruto to never step in America."

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has urged the US Government to impose sanctions on President William Ruto after reviewing Kenya’s designation as a non-NATO ally.

Speaking in Olathe, Kansas City on Wednesday, August 6, Gachagua asked the American government not to punish Kenya but instead to impose travel sanctions against Ruto.

“All we are asking the American government to do is, once you confirm all these concerns, help us, don’t have sanctions against the people of Kenya. Do the right thing and impose sanctions on William Ruto to never step in America. Kenya should not suffer because of one person.

“I think if the US Government can impose sanctions against him, barring him from entering America or any other country allied with America, our problems will be sorted instead of punishing the country,” Gachagua stated.

The former DP also urged Kenyans living in the US to inform US lawmakers about the situation in Kenya and to advocate for a review of Kenya’s designation as a non-NATO ally.

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File image of Rigathi Gachagua. 

“Let me appeal to all of you, in your respective states, tell them about Kenya, tell them to support this bill when it comes to the floor of the House. Give them details of what is happening in Kenya so that they are well informed and a review is done,” Gachagua added.

This comes after US Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairperson Jim Risch proposed an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026.

The Idaho Senator wants Kenya's designation as a non-NATO ally reviewed by the US Secretary of State, in coordination with other officials, within 90 days, and a report submitted to Congress within 180 days.

Risch said the review will assess Kenya’s relationship with the US in countering violent extremism, achieving and maintaining peace and security in Sub-Saharan Africa, and in Haiti.

The review will also assess Kenya's military and diplomatic engagements with China, Russia, and Iran.

Further, the review will scrutinize the relationships of the Kenyan Government and key officials of Kenya with violent extremist organizations, including the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and al-Shabaab.

Kenya was designated a non-NATO ally in June 2024 following President Ruto’s visit to the US.