Kenya and UN in 'conflict' over leaked memo

President William Ruto shakes hands with the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in New York on September 21, 2022. PHOTO| PSCU

NAIROBI, Kenya - A leaked memo could significantly affect the relationship between the Republic of Kenya and the United Nations [UN], with the former now saying it is "disturbed" by reports of the memo which directly implicates President William Ruto and his administration in general.

On Friday, Kenya said it is disturbed by the content of the leaked memo on comments about Mr. Ruto in which he allegedly spoke "ill" about UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohamed, a seasoned diplomat from Nigeria, another country with a cordial relationship with Kenya.

The BBC, citing a leaked document, reported this week that Amina Mohammed told U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in February that Ruto was "ruthless" and that she "doesn't trust him." Nairobi is a key hub for U.N. operations but Reuters could not independently verify the authenticity of the document.

Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing'oei said Nairobi was disturbed by the remarks adding that

When asked about Mohammed's reported remarks, senior Kenyan foreign affairs official Korir Sing'oei described it on Friday as "disturbing," while also noting that "Kenya abhors the surveillance of the leadership of the United Nations."

According to the official, President William Ruto will continue discharging his mandate, adding that the head of state will also focus on climate change where he wants to leave an impact. Ruto will also focus on regional peace and security, he added.

"The president will therefore not be distracted by the information contained in tainted leaked memorandums," he said. U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said on Friday there had been a "horrendous distortion" of Mohammed's comments, which has been "taken out of context."

"She has the highest regard for President Ruto and his leadership," said Dujarric, adding that Mohammed will visit Nairobi later this month on a pre-planned trip, in which she will meet the president.

Martin Kimani, Kenya's ambassador to the United Nations said he spoke to Antonio Guterres and Amina Mohamed to seek clarity on the sentiments. He said the sentiments were contrary to the law and international and acceptable standards.

"I was reassured by their strong expressions of support, fellow feeling and strong partnership with Kenya and, especially, their respect and regard for President William Ruto," Kimani said.

GAROWE ONLINE