Kenyans Rattled As Uhuru Kenyatta Separately Meets UK, US And China Ambassadors In Nairobi

• Former president Uhuru Kenyatta met with Chinese ambassador Zhou Pingjian days after meeting ambassadors to the United Kingdom and the United States
• The duo reiterated the benefits of the Kenya-China partnerships that shaped the development agenda during his tenure
• He also informed Zhou of his peace and security role in Africa, insisting that African nations would only realise development when they embraced peace

Nancy Odindo, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics, news, and feature stories across digital and print media in Kenya.

A section of Kenyans have raised concerns after former president Uhuru Kenyatta's private meetings with ambassadors to the superpower states.

On December 11, the ex-president met with Chinese ambassador Zhou Pingjian after meeting with United States ambassador Meg Whitman and British High Commissioner to Kenya Neil Wigan on separate days but within one week.

Why did Uhuru meet with Chinese Zhou Pingjian?

According to a statement from his office, the discussion revolved around how the Kenya-China partnership shaped the development agenda of the country during his 10-year tenure.

"President Uhuru Kenyatta conveyed his congratulatory message to the Chinese envoy ahead of the 60th anniversary celebrations to mark Kenya-China relations. H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta acknowledged the great partnership between the two nations and how it shaped the development agenda during his tenure," read the statement.

Zhou reiterated the great impact the relations nurtured in fostering strong economic, political, and cultural ties between Kenya and the People's Republic of China.

In addition, Uhuru used the opportunity to inform the ambassador of his peacekeeping role, stating that peace remains the foundation for development and that Africa can only realise its full potential when all nations on the continent are peaceful.

"President (Rtd) Uhuru Kenyatta also briefed the Chinese Ambassador about his current role on the continent: peace and security. He emphasised that peace remains the foundation for development, and Africa can only realise its full potential when all nations on the continent are peaceful," it read.

The 60th Kenya-China Celebrations will be marked on Thursday, December 14 at the Global Trade Centre (GTC) Office Tower in Westlands, which was officially opened by H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta in December 2021.

MPs react after Uhuru's meeting with Meg Whitman

According to Peter Kaluma, MP of Homa Bay Town, Uhuru ought not to meet with an international delegation that allegedly rigged the 2022 general election.

"Why is President Uhuru Kenyatta meeting individuals who rigged our 2022 presidential elections? Keep off USA ambassador Meg Whitman and her associates from the West!" said Kaluma.

US lauds Uhuru's appointment as peace envoy

In September last year, the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of African Affairs applauded President William Ruto for appointing Uhuru as Kenya’s peace envoy.

In Ruto's speech, he vowed to support Uhuru's role in advocating for peace in various states, including Ethiopia.

"Kenya will continue playing its role in bilateral and multilateral diplomacy, appreciating that we are host to major international agencies, including the UN. I commit to the peace initiatives in our region, including in Ethiopia and the Great Lake region." Ruto said.