Aasai

President William Ruto has strongly condemned the American government following his plan to investigate the Kenyan relations with China, emphasizing that trade cooperation with the Asian nation is in Kenyas national interest. President Ruto said that Kenya should not be blamed for finding new markets for its products, new business and resource partners, especially in a world that is witnessing geographical tensions between America and China. "Some of our friends are complaining that we are doing a lot of business with China. But that should do it for Kenya," said Ruto. "We have completed high -level negotiations with China. They have agreed to remove all tariffs on our tea, coffee, avocado and other agricultural products. This is a big step for our nation."

President Rutos statement comes after Senator Jim Risch, chairman of the American Senates Foreign Relations Committee, to submit proposals to amend the National Defense Act of the 2026 financial year, calling for Kenyas relationship with China to be investigated, President Ruto defended his position on China, saying when he met President Xi Jinping, he raised the issue of trade equality as Kenya imported Sh600 billion worth of goods from China, while selling China less than five percent of that value. "That business situation is not right, and that is why China has opened its market for our agricultural products. This is for the benefit of Kenya, and it is wise," explained the President. Senator Risch has proposed the cancellation of Kenyas status as a non -member of the NATO member (MNNA), saying Kenya has shown close cooperation with China to the extent that it appears to have sworn obedience to Beijing.

He quoted President Rutos speech at Peking University, Beijing on April 23, 2025, in which Ruto referred to Kenya and China as partners in building a new world system. Also, the bill proposes to be investigated for the use of US security assistance in Kenya, especially if the assistance has been misused for kidnapping, torture, masses, unintentional killings, and brutal acts allegedly committed by police or security forces. Kenya has also been blamed following the kidnapping of seven Turkish nationals in Nairobi by intelligence officers from the country in October 2024. Former Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua, and the DAP-K Party have strongly criticized President Ruto for saying the US action is an international disgrace to Kenya. Gachagua said Kenya has turned out to be a refuge for money laundering and suspected terrorists and corruption, adding that the government has failed to deal with terrorist groups like Al-Shabaab and Sudans RSF.

"President Ruto we warned you of the RSF and Al-Shabaab, we told you to stop international terrorists and financial criminals from entering the country. But you refused," said Gachagua. "We will not allow our country to fall into dictatorship, violence and democracy. Former Defense Minister Eugene Wamalwa said the ongoing debate on America on Kenya is evidence of the failure of Rutos leadership and that the nation should avoid giving him a second term in 2027. Foreign Ministry Secretary Korir Singoei responded via X Network saying "These issues in the bill will be answered in detail, taking into account Kenyas independence and national interests."