U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has canceled his scheduled Kenya visit, citing concerns over the nation’s growing relations with China, increasing corruption, and ties with rebel groups. The decision comes after Kenyan President Ruto’s state visit to China, which has sparked unease in Washington as U.S. diplomats express frustration with Kenya’s shifting geopolitical alignment.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has canceled his upcoming visit to Kenya, a trip initially planned for April 28. This decision, according to various sources, appears tied to Kenya’s increasingly close relations with China, ongoing corruption concerns, and its controversial associations with rebel groups in neighboring countries. Rubio’s visit would have been his inaugural African tour since taking office, which was announced by the State Department. The trip was also supposed to include Ethiopia.
This cancellation arrived shortly after Kenyan President William Ruto’s five-day state visit to China, where he engaged in discussions with several high-ranking officials including President Xi Jinping. Ruto’s trip was significantly aimed at strengthening economic ties with Beijing, a move that has not sat well with Washington, given the geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China. Hussein Mohamed, a spokesperson for the Kenyan government, touted this visit as a reinforcement of ongoing partnerships under the Belt and Road Initiative.
During his visit to China, President Ruto criticized Russia’s actions in Ukraine and expressed disapproval of a recent U.S. vote at the United Nations Security Council aligning with Moscow, further complicating U.S.-Kenya relations. Additionally, the U.S. government has voiced particular concerns over Kenya’s support for Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces, raising alarm over the country’s regional alliances. Diplomats in Washington have shown growing frustration with these developments.
Adding to these tensions, the Trump administration is reportedly considering substantial reductions in U.S. diplomatic presence, including the closure of multiple embassies across Africa. This might include diplomatic missions in the Central African Republic, Congo, Eritrea, and other countries, including Kenya. As for the situation on the ground, U.S. companies involved in major investments in Kenya seem to be withdrawing due to the country’s escalating corruption levels, which may ultimately jeopardize economic opportunities for Kenya.
Moreover, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has now closed its operations in Kenya, marking a significant decline in bilateral ties. The official response from the Kenyan government regarding Rubio’s cancellation remains pending. Nevertheless, criticism has rapidly surfaced online with many Kenyans questioning Ruto’s timing surrounding his China trip amidst rising U.S.-China tensions. A local commentator remarked, “President Ruto chose the worst time to visit China—during heightened U.S.-China tensions over tariffs.”
Local government officials also weighed in, suggesting that the cancellation reflects serious worries over corruption and Kenya’s alignment with regional rebel factions. The implications of these developments on the diplomatic landscape could be considerable, raising questions about the future of U.S.-Kenya relations.
In summary, the cancellation of Secretary Rubio’s Kenya visit underscores the unraveling diplomatic ties between Kenya and the United States, primarily driven by escalating ties with China, corruption issues, and regional security dynamics. President Ruto’s recent trip to China may have further distressed an already fragile relationship, and the situation appears to be evolving rapidly. The ramifications of these decisions on Kenya’s international standing and economic prospects remain to be seen.
Original Source: hornobserver.com
