William Ruto Hits Back at US, Defends Kenya-China Ties: "It's What I Must Do"
- President William Ruto defended Kenya’s growing ties with China despite rising friction with the United States
- The president insisted that trade benefits with China outweighed concerns from the Western allies
- US lawmakers are set to review Kenya’s non-NATO ally status over shifting diplomatic direction
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TUKO.co.ke journalist Harry Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya
President William Ruto stood his ground on Wednesday as questions swirled over Kenya’s changing diplomatic balance.
Source: UGC
The head of state made it clear that the country’s deepening ties with China were intentional and in the nation’s best interest, even if that upset traditional allies like the United States.
During a roundtable forum with private sector players, Ruto defended his administration’s close engagement with China, noting that several trade and investment agreements had already been secured.
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What is Kenya's relationship with China?
He pointed out that while some international partners had expressed discomfort, the gains from the partnership were too valuable to compromise.
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“We have concluded the high-level conversation with China, and they have agreed to a reciprocal agreement. They have agreed to remove all the tariffs on our tea, our coffee, avocado and all other agricultural exports,” Ruto said.
He maintained that Kenya’s foreign policy was not about picking sides in global rivalries, but about securing economic growth.
Ruto admitted that the China-Kenya relationship had drawn concern from some long-standing allies, but emphasised that his loyalty lies with what works for Kenya.
"We are now finalising the bilateral agrreements, so in the next few months, we should be able to take advantage of that huge market," he said.
Is US angry with Kenya over China ties?
“It is partly why I have a bit of problems with some of our friends, but it is what I must do for Kenya. It is in the best interest of Kenya. Some of our friends are complaining that we are doing too much trade with China," Ruto added.
Source: Getty Images
The president added that during his recent tour to China, he had a candid conversation with his counterpart Xi Jinping, and highlighted the huge gap between products Kenya imports from China and those it exports.
"That trade imbalance is serious. And that is why they have opened up their markets for our agricultural products. And that is good for Kenya. It is the right thing to do," he said.
He added that similar conversations are ongoing with other countries like India, Turkey and Canada.
Will US revoke Kenya's non-NATO ally status?
His remarks came just hours after the United States Congress, led by Senator James Risch, called for a full reassessment of Kenya’s non-NATO ally status.
A directive seen by TUKO.co.ke asked US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to review Kenya’s diplomatic alignment, internal policies, and peacekeeping role in Africa within 90 days.
This directive has been viewed as a direct response to Nairobi’s warming relations with Beijing.
In addition, Ruto is on the US Senate's radar over his alleged links to Sudan's paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
He is also being scrutinised for the recent Gen Z killings during the July 7 Saba Saba and Gen Z anniversary protests that shook several parts of the country.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
