US-Based UDA Members Slam Raila Odinga For Castigating Ambassador Meg Whitman

• The UDA Dallas Chapter members asked Raila Odinga to respect Ambassador Meg Whitman and desist from stirring a diplomatic tiff between Kenya and the US
• The group asked Raila to apologise to the ambassador and the US government for disrespecting its representative in Nairobi
• They encouraged Whitman to continue speaking her mind on critical issues without fear of intimidation

A group of UDA supporters based in the United States have called out Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Party Leader Raila Odinga for lashing out at the US Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman.

Raila slammed Ambassador Whitman on Thursday, August 18, during the 10th devolution conference held in Eldoret.

The ODM party leader's hard-hitting remarks came barely hours after Whitman, speaking at the same event, said Kenya's 2022 elections were the "freest and fairest" she had ever witnessed.

Raila hits out at Whitman

The sentiments irked Raila who took to the same podium the following day and warned the US ambassador to stop meddling in Kenyan affairs or else he would "call for her recall back to America".

"I want to tell the rogue ambassador. Leave Kenyans alone. If Maandamano can lead to dialogue between Kalonzo and Ichung'wah, then everything is good with Maandamano. Tell the rogue ambassador Kenya is not the US, Kenya is not a colony of the US, keep your mouth shut or we will call for your recall back to your country," Raila said.

The response attracted a barrage of reactions locally and internationally, with UDA supporters demanding an apology from the former premier.

The ruling party's diaspora team based in Dallas and Texas is the latest to castigate Raila over his remarks.

UDA responds to Raila

Led Danson Mukile, the group asked the Azimio leader to be measured in his utterances and desist from making "immature" statements that have the potential to ruin Kenya's relationship with the US and other foreign countries.

Ambassadors bridge between nations, enabling communication, cooperation, and the exchange of ideas. They work tirelessly to foster understanding, resolve conflicts, and build partnerships that transcend borders. This is what Ambassador Meg Whitman has been doing.

Today, as communicated by the President, the US is the number one destination for our exports. We Kenyans living in the US can attest that we have access to Kenyan products easier than before, said the Dallas team.

They encouraged Ambassador Whitman to continue speaking her mind without fear of being intimidated by politicians.

If you could have shut up, you could not have been ranked 20th on Forbes of the 100 most powerful women in the world. When you speak, American corporate listens.

Raila asked to shut up

The group asked the former premier to instead shut up and leave the diplomat and the government to work together harmoniously for the mutual benefit of the two countries and their people.

Attacking an ambassador of the United States is not attacking an individual but the whole country. Raila Should issue a public apology to the United States for attacking its ambassador.

Hon Raila Odinga needs to be reminded that when an ambassador of the US speaks, the US has spoken,

Mukile said Kenya is blessed to have Whitman as its link between Nairobi and Washington, and should not allow politicians' reckless remarks to cost them the opportunity to work with the renowned business executive and diplomat.

Kenya is blessed to have you. Kenya's economy is trailblazing because of your leadership and opening up the market for Kenyan products.

We are behind you and the President and do not listen to noise from leaders who only want to satisfy their personal interests, said the team in a stateement,

Kenya-US bilateral deal

The UDA representatives said America is a critical trading partner of Kenya and cautioned politicians against making remarks that might sever ties between the two countries.

"We would like to remind Hon Raila Odinga that Diaspora remittances are the number Foreign exchange earner in the country. 55.5% of these remittances come from the US, according to CBK report.

"This country has given us livelihood and our families and therefore attacking the ambassador is very unfortunate," the team added.

Kenya Kwanza diaspora agenda

The Dallas chapter leaders and members unanimously endorsed President Ruto's diaspora policy and thanked the government for creating the department for diaspora affairs led by PS Roseline Njogu.

They also agreed to rally more Kenyans living in the diaspora to join the party.

Dallas has the highest number of Kenyans living in one city in the diaspora.

UDA director for resource mobilization, political and diaspora affairs Charles Matoke joined the team virtually to expound on the party policies for the diaspora community.

Dallas Chapter is led by their UDA Party chairman James Ongera ad deputised by Janet Rutto.