US Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman has found herself at the center of controversy following claims that she took sides during the 2022 General Elections. However, Whitman has vehemently denied these accusations, stating that the polls were credible and that she did not take sides.
During an interview on Citizen TV, Meg Whitman addressed the allegations, stating, “It is not true, first of all, I had just gotten here and I didn’t really understand much of what was going on.” She emphasized that as Americans, they pride themselves on not taking sides in elections and that she simply stated her belief that the elections were free and fair.
Whitman’s comments came after she had previously praised the transparency and democracy of the August 9 polls, which were unsuccessfully challenged at the Supreme Court. She described the elections as the “most transparent elections in the country’s history” during a speech at the Devolution conference in August last year.
Despite Whitman’s positive remarks about the elections and her praise for President William Ruto, her statements have sparked criticism from opposition leader Raila Odinga and his supporters. Raila accused the US envoy of allegedly taking sides and undermining the push for electoral justice.
In response to the backlash, Meg Whitman stood by her comments and reiterated her belief that the elections were fair and transparent. She also commended Ruto for his efforts in promoting peace and security in the region.
Overall, Whitman’s defense against claims of taking sides in the 2022 General Elections highlights the complexities of diplomatic relations and the challenges of navigating political landscapes. As the US Ambassador to Kenya, Whitman’s statements carry weight and can have significant implications. It is essential for diplomats to maintain impartiality and uphold democratic principles in their interactions with foreign governments.
