US senator questions Kenya's foreign policy amid Ruto's China visit

A senior US senator has warned that Kenya’s warming relationship with Beijing could jeopardise its standing with Washington.

Speaking during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on East Africa and the Horn of Africa, committee chairperson James Risch (R Idaho) questioned Kenyans' loyalty.

The remarks followed President Ruto’s recent visit to Beijing, faulting the move, in his view, as leaning too far into China’s orbit.

"That is not just alignment with China, it is an allegiance. Relying on leaders who embrace Beijing so openly is an error,’’ the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee chair said.

‘’It is time to reassess our relations with Kenya and others who forge tight bonds with China," he added.

Risch’s remarks followed Ruto’s state visit to China three weeks ago, where he [Ruto] announced more than 20 trade deals and signed memorandums of understanding covering roads, agriculture, health, education and information technology. 

Kenyan officials said the agreements would accelerate development and create jobs.

The United States last year named Kenya a major non-NATO ally, a designation meant to deepen military and economic cooperation. 

But according to Risch, the African continent can be supported through meaningful institutional partnerships. 

“We must stop building US policy in Africa around individual leaders and instead focus on strengthening institutions, expanding private sector ties, and empowering the region’s young and dynamic populations.” 

Ruto has portrayed his diplomacy, whether in Washington last year or in Beijing last month, as an effort to position Kenya as a bridge between East and West. 

Still, critics note his frequent travel. By June 2024, 21 months into his term, Ruto had visited 36 countries.

The Kenyan government did not immediately respond to Risch’s comments.