Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has called on United States President Donald Trump to consider Kenya’s current political climate when appointing the next American ambassador to Nairobi.
Speaking in an interview on Wednesday, August 6, Gachagua appealed for a strong, principled figure to take up the key diplomatic post, citing the example of the late Ambassador Smith Hempstone, who played a pivotal role in supporting Kenya’s push for democratic reforms in the early 1990s.
“We are hoping and appealing to the American government, specifically President Donald Trump, that as he chooses an ambassador for Kenya, he considers giving us an envoy of the same caliber and thinking as Smith Hempstone, who came in to help the people of Kenya when they faced the same circumstances,” Gachagua said.
Ambassador Hempstone, appointed by President George H. W. Bush in 1989, served in Nairobi during a turbulent political era marked by one-party rule under then-President Daniel arap Moi. His legacy in Kenya remains significant—having openly championed multiparty democracy, condemned human rights abuses, and tied U.S. aid to political reform. Hempstone’s tenure was characterized by bold diplomacy, including offering protection to threatened opposition leaders and advocating for press freedom and civil liberties.
Gachagua’s appeal comes amid a transition at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, following the departure of Chargé d’Affaires Marc Dillard, who delivered a heartfelt farewell message to Kenyans on July 18.
In his message, Dillard reflected on his time in the country, calling it “a journey of friendship, learning, and connection.” He praised Kenya’s rich heritage and the warmth of its people, noting that serving in Nairobi had been a deeply personal and fulfilling experience.
Gachagua’s remarks reflect the broader sentiment within sections of Kenya’s political class, who view the U.S. ambassadorial appointment as a crucial signal of Washington’s diplomatic priorities in the region. His call echoes a long-standing belief that American envoys can—and should—play a constructive role in encouraging good governance, transparency, and democratic ideals.
As the U.S. considers its next move in Nairobi, all eyes are now on President Trump’s pick—an appointment that could influence the tone and direction of U.S.-Kenya relations in the years ahead.
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