NAIROBI, Kenya – Margaret “Meg” Whitman, born on August 4, 1956, in Cold Spring Harbor, New York, is an American business executive, politician, and diplomat who served as the United States Ambassador to Kenya from 2022 to 2024.
Before her diplomatic role, Whitman was renowned for her leadership in the tech industry, notably as the CEO of eBay from 1998 to 2008, where she significantly expanded the company’s reach and revenue.
She later became the CEO of Hewlett-Packard Enterprise, showcasing her prowess in managing large multinational corporations.
Whitman’s political ambitions saw her run for Governor of California in 2010, although she was unsuccessful.
As her term as U.S. Ambassador to Kenya comes to an end, Meg Whitman leaves behind a legacy marked by both praise and sharp criticism.
Appointed in 2022, Whitman brought a business-savvy approach to diplomacy, championing American investment in Kenya and fostering closer economic ties.
However, her tenure was marred by allegations of political interference, perceived bias toward President William Ruto, and a response to human rights issues that many Kenyans found inadequate.
Whitman’s diplomacy focused on strengthening commercial relations, with initiatives like the “Why Africa, Why Kenya” campaign, which positioned Kenya as an appealing destination for U.S. investors.
Her efforts contributed to high-profile business ventures and closer ties between the two nations, culminating in an invitation for Ruto to make a historic state visit to Washington, the first for a Kenyan president in over 15 years.
Meg Whitman and William Ruto at the US Kenya Business Roadshow in San Francisco, California, on Sept. 15. Photo/Courtesy.
Despite these strides, critics have questioned Whitman’s stance on Kenya’s internal affairs.
Her close alignment with President Ruto drew public rebuke from opposition leader Raila Odinga after she endorsed Kenya’s 2022 elections as “the most free and credible” in its history.
This endorsement, Odinga argued, showed a disregard for the complexities of Kenya’s electoral process, calling Whitman a “rogue ambassador” who overstepped her diplomatic bounds.
The criticism extends beyond elections. Many Kenyans feel Whitman’s engagement prioritized U.S. interests over local concerns, particularly in economic and governance issues.
Critics pointed to her reluctance to openly challenge the Kenyan government on its handling of the June GenZ protests.
During these demonstrations, sparked by economic hardship and alleged government repression, over 60 protesters were reportedly killed by police and many others injured or detained.
Whitman’s muted response to these incidents has left many questioning her commitment to democratic values.
Whitman did, at times, denounce human rights abuses and state-sanctioned abductions.
However, her responses were seen as too reserved compared to previous U.S. ambassadors, such as Smith Hempstone, who took a more outspoken approach to Kenya’s political issues in the 1990s.
Her apparent reluctance to speak out has fueled allegations that she was more focused on maintaining Ruto’s goodwill than addressing concerns over Kenya’s democracy.
While some Kenyans laud her contributions to the economy, others view her tenure as a missed opportunity for advocacy on critical governance and human rights issues.
