A Kenyan analyst falsely accuses the U.S. of meddling in the African Union elections, suggesting that Ambassador Meg Whitman supports opposing candidates over Raila Odinga. However, evidence shows that Whitman has bolstered U.S.-Kenya relations and even supported Odinga’s bid, countering claims of American interference.
The African Union (AU), comprising 55 member states, is set to conduct elections for its fifth commission chair in February 2025, following the tenure of Moussa Faki Mahamat from Ghana, who has held the position since March 2017. Among the candidates is Kenya’s longstanding opposition leader, Raila Odinga, whose bid was formally launched on August 27 in Nairobi, receiving support from seven African heads of state. It is notable that there are at least three other candidates from Djibouti, Mauritius, and Madagascar contesting the position.
Recent statements from Ahmed Hashi, a Kenyan analyst and former spokesperson for the foreign ministry, have sparked controversy as he accused the United States and its Ambassador to Kenya, Meg Whitman, of influencing the AU elections. He alleged that the U.S. would obstruct Odinga’s path to the AUC chairmanship, suggesting instead that Mahamoud Ali Youssouf of Djibouti is the U.S. preferred candidate. Hashi further claimed that Odinga has faced American opposition throughout his political career.
These allegations are not supported by evidence. There is clear documentation demonstrating that Ambassador Whitman has actively worked to enhance diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Kenya, not undermine them. Notably, on May 22, President William Ruto was invited to the White House to commemorate six decades of partnership, with the U.S. recognizing Kenya as a non-NATO ally. Ambassador Whitman, who assumed her role in 2022, has prioritized fostering Kenya’s economic sector, particularly the tech industry.
Despite some local perception that Whitman operates solely to benefit Ruto—leading to accusations of her being labeled as “Ruto’s new fixer”—she has maintained a professional diplomatic approach, supporting constructive initiatives while also publicly critiquing the president when deemed necessary. For instance, in a recent interview, she rebuked Ruto for mischaracterizing the Ford Foundation’s role in the country’s civil society, describing his remarks as erroneous.
Moreover, Hashi’s assertion that Odinga has been historically opposed by the U.S. lacks merit. In May, The Star reported that after a meeting with Odinga, Whitman conveyed her enthusiasm regarding his candidacy for the African Union chair, asserting its potential benefit for East Africa and Kenya. Although Odinga has endured several failed presidential campaigns and has raised unfounded claims about U.S. backing of Ruto in last year’s elections, it remains accurate that his relations with past and present U.S. administrations have been congenial.
The potential for Odinga’s presidency in the AUC signifies a notable moment in African political dynamics, yet it is crucial to separate baseless accusations from documented facts when discussing international influence.
The upcoming election for the chair of the African Union is significant not only for the organization itself but also for its member states. The AU aims to foster unity and cooperation across the continent, and the choice of a chairperson can influence strategic policies and regional dialogues. Raila Odinga, a prominent figure in Kenyan politics, has a storied history in opposition and seeks to solidify his legacy through this leadership role. However, allegations regarding external interference, particularly from the United States, may overshadow these elections, igniting debates about sovereignty, political influence, and diplomatic integrity within the context of African governance.
In summary, the allegations made by Analyst Ahmed Hashi regarding U.S. interference in the upcoming AU elections are unfounded and unsupported by credible evidence. Ambassador Meg Whitman has worked to fortify U.S.-Kenya relations, focusing on mutual growth and collaboration while maintaining professional critiques where necessary. As the AU election approaches, it is imperative to acknowledge the significance of Odinga’s candidacy while separating truth from speculation surrounding foreign influence.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
