Experts Reveal When U.S Ambassador Could be Recalled

August 19, 2023

Government Irked by Raila’s Remarks on U.S. Diplomat

U.S.A Ambasador Meg Whitman[Photos/Courtesy]

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Saturday, August 19, 2023 –There is a possibility that the United States of America U.S.A Ambassador Meg Whitman could be recalled following opposition leader’s accusation against her.

There was tension this week during the Eldoret Devolution Conference where Azimio leader Raila Odinga decided to discuss the conduct of the American diplomat in the country.

Foreign Affairs CS Alfred Mutua(left) and USA Amb. Meg Whitman

Angry Odinga evidently displayed his displeasure with the U.S official who had made seemingly disparaging remarks on the Azimio wing.

Ms Whitman who had addressed the Conference the first day(Wednesday), decided to revisit the last general election by claiming that it was the freest and fair in the history of Kenya.

This remark however, did not go well with Azimio boss Mr. Odinga who, the following day, dressed her down. Odinga asked the U.S diplomat to do her work and to stop meddling in local politics.

The opposition honcho contended that her assertions about the 2022 general election were deliberately made to create anxiety and discord in the country.

“Tell the rogue ambassador that Kenya is not the United States. Kenya is not a colony of the United States. Keep your mouth shut while you are here. Otherwise, we will call for your recall back to your country,” Raila stated.

This saw the government side quickly move with speed to counter Odinga’s remarks; with Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika leading the response group.

President William Ruto would also meet Whitman at the Statehouse Nairobi before releasing his statement to counter the opposition leader’s attacks on the diplomat.

His deputy who was Eldoret yesterday Friday to close the conference, also spent most of his time bashing the opposition leader over his remarks on the American official.

Gachagua told off Odinga that he(Raila) is a civilian who cannot even recall a mere Subchief in his rural Bondo.

But in 2009, former US President Barack Obama recalled former Ambassador to Kenya Michael Ranneberger over Kenyan political issues.

The criticism was sparked by claims that Ranneberger had made concerning remarks about some Kenyan leaders, and the then government.

The group led by current Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture Mithika Linturi, then the MP for Igembe South, accused Ranneberger of meddling in Kenya’s internal affairs, especially on matters concerning constitutional reforms.

This saw senior figures in former President Mwai Kibaki’s administration force her recall back to the U.S. Interestingly, then President Barrack Obama ceded to the request and replaced the diplomat with Robert Godec who was in Kenya till 2019.

In an interview on the matter, Foreign Relations experts observed that the recall of Ranneberger is a reference that proves that his successors could also face the same misfortune.

For instance, according to U.S laws, Ambassador Whitman can be recalled from her position for various reasons, including changes in the administration of her home country, the United States of America.

Another possible reason could be on her safety in Kenya; a decision prompted by concerns about her safety and security due to ongoing political upheaval.

This procedure is always initiated by the Secretary of State, who formally communicates the decision to the ambassador. The official is given enough time to pack and leave back.

Azimio la Umoja leaders Raila Odinga(right) with Kalonzo Musyoka discussing in Bondo

Once the decision to recall has been made, a successor is nominated and forwarded to the Senate for confirmation. Upon confirmation, the newly appointed diplomat then assumes the role of ambassador and posted to Nairobi to take up the role.

In between this process, the deputy chief of mission DCM takes over as chargé d’affaires, which is the highest-ranking diplomatic position in the Embassy. The DCM is responsible for maintaining the embassy’s operations until the new ambassador officially arrives.