The U.S. ambassador to Kenya, Meg Whitman, who has been under fire for her perceived alignment with President William Ruto, responded to ongoing online backlash.

In a statement issued Thursday, Whitman reiterated her role as a political appointee, stating, “Like all U.S. ambassadors, I serve at the President’s request.”

Whitman, a former tech CEO and billionaire, has drawn criticism from Kenyans who accuse her of “meddling” in Kenya’s politics and of maintaining unusually close ties with President Ruto.

This connection was evident during Ruto’s recent U.S. state visit, where Whitman played a highly visible role in facilitating his agenda—a display that highlighted her access and influence, rare even among U.S. ambassadors.

Whitman’s approach has largely focused on economic issues, sidestepping Kenyan political matters even amid public concerns about governance and democracy.

In doing so, she has left human rights and democratic issues to other U.S. envoys dispatched by Washington, positioning herself strictly as a commercial ambassador under her “Why Africa, Why Kenya” initiative, promoting Kenya as an attractive destination for American business.

This style of diplomacy has earned her comparisons to “rogue ambassador” like Smith Hempstone, the former U.S. envoy to Kenya, known for his combative and unapologetic approach.

While Hempstone was admired by opposition figures for his fearless style, Whitman’s actions have alienated many Kenyans who see her as aligning too closely with Ruto’s government.

Since her arrival in Nairobi in 2022, Whitman’s unique style has departed from diplomatic norms.

While past U.S. envoys balanced political and human rights advocacy, she has leaned into her CEO-like, action-oriented approach.

Her close connection to Ruto and apparent distancing from political controversies, however, have angered some Kenyans.

Although Whitman did not address questions about whether she would resign should the White House instruct politically appointed ambassadors to step down with a new administration, she assured that she and her team “will continue to work on advancing our nations’ shared goals of increased prosperity, security, and respect for democratic values.”