Meg Whitman's presence in Kenya sparks speculation

Former US ambassador to Kenya, Meg Whitman. [File, Standard]

Speculation surrounds the presence of former US ambassador to Kenya, Meg Whitman, in the country.

This follows the emergence of a picture of her and President William Ruto's security advisor, Monica Juma, on the interwebs on Wednesday, February 12.

The Standard has established that Whitman has shifted her focus to wildlife conservation activities in Kenya, and is now part of the Kenya Rhino Range Expansion (KRRE) Advisory Board.

On Wednesday, Whitman, who is the KRRE Board Chair, attended the first board meeting of an initiative dubbed the 'Room to Roam Program' in Nairobi.

According to a communique issued by the Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS), the meeting was chaired by Ambassador Monica Juma, Kenya's National Security Advisor to the President.

"KWS attended the inaugural board meeting of the Kenya Rhino Range Expansion (KRRE) initiative, also known as the Room to Roam Program, in Nairobi. This landmark session was chaired by Ambassador Monica Juma, and honoured by Ambassador Meg Whitman, former U.S. Ambassador to Kenya and KRRE Advisory Board Chair, " the Wildlife Service said.

But, at the time of publishing this article, KRRE had no digital footprint, either in the form of a website or social media page.

It remains unclear whether it is a state or non-state body, or whether Whitman's involvement was an appointment or a result of competitive recruitment.

President William Ruto with former US Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman during the 2023 US-Kenya business roadshow at San Fransisco, California in the United State of America. [PCS]

According to KWS, the KRRE initiative addresses challenges posed by overcrowded sanctuaries, territorial conflicts, and limited ecological space resulting from Kenya's successful rhino conservation efforts. By creating new, secure habitats, KRRE seeks to promote sustainable population growth, enhance genetic diversity, and ensure the long-term survival of Kenya's black rhinos.

Whitman's involvement

Risk analyst Alenga Torosterdt says there is no law binding diplomats to leave a foreign country after their service.

"They choose whether to stay or not. They just have to decide whether it works for or against them," he says.

Alenga argues that Whitman's stay could signify the continuing diplomatic ties between Kenya and the US, even if it might not sit well with some members of the public.

"Whitman ran for governor in the US before Biden appointed her ambassador to Kenya. So with the new administration, it is highly likely that the political environment might not be conducive for her since she is a Democrat and the Republicans just took over. Honestly, there is no issue," he adds.

Days after Donald Trump won the US Presidential election in November last year, Whitman submitted her resignation to President Joe Biden.

At the time of her departure, she still had a year remaining before her term ended.

Her resignation came amid social media uproar over her perceived "meddling" in Kenya's domestic affairs and her outspoken support for Ruto. The hashtag #ResignMegWhitman trended on X, with some Kenyans calling for her resignation.