‘Why I Resigned As US Ambassador!’ – Meg Whitman Speaks
Meg Whitman, the resigned United States Ambassador to Kenya, has revealed why she chose to quit office, a decision that has been dubbed “hightailed.”
The billionaire claims that her surprising retirement was inspired by the impending shift in White House leadership following Donald Trump’s victory in the recent US elections.
Meg Whitman finally resigns after weeks of pressure. The next few months will be interesting. pic.twitter.com/6flmCvzWfk
— JaPrado. (@Dr_AustinOmondi) November 13, 2024
Regardless of how early she arrived, the US envoy stated that she needed enough time to reunite with her family in the US.
“Well, when new presidents and new administrations come in, it’s customary that ambassadors submit their letters of resignation. I decided to do it now because we have three young grandchildren,” she told Sunday Nation.
“My husband has a job in the U.S., and we need to get back and get settled. The embassy is in very good hands with Charge d’Affairs Marc Dillard.”
Whitman also denied that the exit was motivated by criticism, describing it as a noble act to peacefully welcome the new administration.
“I’ve been in politics for a long time so I know how this works. This is much more about peace transfer of power, a new administration and a whole set of new ambassadors,” she added.
The 68-year-old claims that during her two-year term, she was able to implement key improvements in Kenya-US bilateral relations, such as visa access and tourism facilitation.
“My number one priority was visas. Every Kenyan was saying it was taking two years to get an interview for a visa that is down to two months which is fantastic for a non-immigrant visa,” Whitman noted.
She also talked about the benefits Kenya earned from President William Ruto’s state visit to the United States in May 2024, saying that Coca-Cola, Microsoft, and others established or expanded camps during her tenure.
''Meg Whitman resigned to avoid Public Humiliation as Trump was going to fire him''- David Wafula expounds! pic.twitter.com/HQKY5qnvX9
— The Kenyan Vigilante (@KenyanSays) November 14, 2024
Whitman, on the other hand, cautioned that Kenya’s development potential will be harmed as a result of the corrosive plunder of public funds.
As she considers her next steps, she intends to assist her spouse in relocating to the United States.
“I’ve been speaking a lot about corruption in the last four or five months…Kenya has an incredible opportunity to truly be an economic powerhouse on the continent, to really be the Singapore of Africa,” she said.
Whitman came to Kenya in August 2022, just days before the national elections, and embarked on an unexpected reign.
“I’ll get back to the United States and get my husband settled into a new job. We have traded off our jobs over 44 years of marriage, and now it’s his turn. I’ll get him settled in, and then we’ll figure out what I’m going to do next.”
ALSO READ:
- Eliud Owalo Blasts Ruto Gov’t, Demands EACC & DCI Investigations Into Fake Sugar Scandal
- President’s Office Releases 2026 National Holidays Calendar, Names Host Counties
- Kenya Goes After British Oil Giant Over Hundreds Of Deaths In The North
- KDF Soldier Arrested Over Wife’s Murder in Nakuru
- Parliament Passes VAT Bill For Petroleum, Slashes It To 8%
With a resilient attitude, she quickly adapted and rose to prominence on the political stage quicker than planned.
Her entry into Kenyan politics, however, sparked controversy when she stated at a Devolution Conference in Uasin Gishu County on August 16 that the 2022 general election was the most credible in Kenya’s history.
Opposition leader Raila Odinga reacted furiously, labeling Whitman a “rogue” and urging her to stay out of Kenya’s internal issues.
As political tensions subsided, Whitman formed a positive rapport with President Ruto and concentrated on improving bilateral relations between the United States and Kenya.
‘Why I Resigned As US Ambassador!’ – Meg Whitman Speaks
