Political tensions flared in Kenya on Thursday, August 17, as former Prime Minister Raila Odinga threatened to lobby US President Joe Biden to recall American Ambassador to Kenya, Meg Whitman.
While addressing Devolution Conference in Eldoret, Raila displayed evident displeasure in response to remarks made by Whitman concerning the 2022 Presidential Election. In no uncertain terms, Raila directed the diplomat to refrain from further comments.
The leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), Raila, contended that Whitman's assertions about the August 2022 General Election being free and fair were not only contentious but likely to sow discord.
"Tell the rogue ambassador Kenya is not the United States. Kenya is not a colony of the United States. Keep your mouth while you are here. Otherwise, we will call for your recall back to your country," Raila stated amid cheers from a section of the participants.
Ambassador Whitman will most likely not respond to the Azimio la Umoja Coalition Leader, probably, due to the nature of her job, but her comments may have significant impact on Kenyan politics and even her job.
Recalling US Ambassador
In 2009, former US President Barack Obama recalled former Ambassador to Kenya Michael Ranneberger after a wave of criticism from Kenyan politicians.
The criticism was sparked by the release of highly guarded secrets which revealed that Ranneberger had made concerning remarks about some Kenyan leaders, including those in government at the time.
Led by current Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture Mithika Linturi, then the MP for Igembe South, Ranneberger was also accused of meddling in Kenya's internal affairs, especially on matters concerning constitutional reforms.
As such, some key figures in former President Mwai Kibaki's administration demanded Ranneberger's recall, and the US government eventually ceded to the request.
Eventually, Ranneberger was replaced by Robert Godec, who served as US Ambassador to Kenya until 2019.
Foreign Relations experts observed that the recall of Ranneberger stands out as a pivotal moment in US-Kenya relations.
The situation illuminated the delicate nature of Kenya's political culture and underscored the significance of diplomatic prudence. It further exemplified the boundaries that Western diplomats, including those from influential nations, cannot cross.
Recalling Ambassador Whitman
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.
The US Department of Foreign Relations specifies that another possible reason for the recall of an ambassador. The decision can be prompted by concerns about their safety and security due to ongoing political upheaval.
The procedure for recalling a US ambassador is initiated by the Secretary of State, who formally communicates the decision to the ambassador. Adequate time is provided for the ambassador to make arrangements and return to the United States.
Once the decision to recall has been made, a successor is nominated and subjected to confirmation by the Senate. Upon confirmation, the newly appointed diplomat then assumes the role of ambassador and posted to Nairobi to take up the role.
When an ambassador is recalled, 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 arrives.
In an interview with Kenyans.co.ke, Rashid Amisi, a foreign relations expert said the recall of an ambassador is a serious diplomatic gesture, and it is usually done in response to a major disagreement between the two countries.
Amisi also noted that the recall of an ambassador can have a significant impact on relations between the two countries. It can be seen as a sign of distrust or anger, and it can make it more difficult to resolve disagreements.
However, it can also be used as a way to send a strong message to the other country. In the case of the United States, the President has the sole authority to recall an ambassador.
However, the Secretary of State usually plays a role in the decision-making process. The Secretary of State will consult with other senior officials in the State Department, as well as with the President, before making a recommendation.
