Kenyan President William Ruto’s recent diplomatic moves, particularly his engagement with the United States and NATO, have sparked considerable controversy. As highlighted in a critical open letter by the esteemed Kenyan author Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, Ruto’s actions represent a significant departure from the principles of Pan-Africanism and the revolutionary legacy of Kenya’s struggle against colonialism.
Ruto’s Visit to the White House: A Symbolic Shift
During his state visit to the USA, Ruto was seen seated while President Biden stood behind him, announcing Kenya’s new status as a “non-member ally” of NATO. This image, widely circulated, encapsulated a troubling perception of Ruto aligning Kenya more closely with Western military interests. Such a position aligns Kenya with NATO’s strategic objectives in Africa, often viewed with suspicion and resentment by many African nations and Pan-Africanists.
Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o criticizes this move as a subservient role in a geopolitical struggle between the West, Russia, and China over Africa’s resources. By engaging with NATO, Ruto appears to have disregarded the historical context of Western interventions in Africa, notably NATO’s role in the downfall of Muammar Gaddafi and the subsequent destabilization of Libya—a point Ngũgĩ emphasizes as a betrayal of African solidarity.
Historical Parallels and Contrasts
Ruto’s actions are particularly ironic when viewed against the backdrop of Kenyan and African history. Kenya, under leaders like Jomo Kenyatta and revolutionary movements such as the Mau Mau, resisted British colonial rule and set a precedent for other African nations. This legacy of anti-colonial struggle contrasts sharply with Ruto’s apparent acceptance of a neo-colonial role.
Ngũgĩ draws a parallel with Haiti’s history, where African slaves, inspired by leaders like Toussaint Louverture, fought against French colonial rule and achieved independence in 1804. The USA, with its own history as a settler colony and a state built on the subjugation of Native Americans and African slaves, has historically resisted movements that mirror Haiti’s revolutionary zeal.
Kenya’s Internal and External Challenges
Domestically, Ruto’s foreign policy has faced opposition. The deployment of Kenyan police forces to Haiti, intended as part of a UN peacekeeping mission, has been controversial. Critics argue that this move aligns with Western interests rather than serving genuine African solidarity. The Kenyan High Court and various political entities, including the Communist Party of Kenya, have condemned the deployment, viewing it as a betrayal of Kenya’s principles and sovereignty.
Internationally, Ruto’s actions reflect a broader trend of African leaders navigating the complex dynamics of global power. Aligning with NATO might be seen as an effort to secure strategic and economic benefits from the West. However, this comes at the cost of eroding Kenya’s autonomy and undermining Pan-Africanist values.
The Way Forward: Reaffirming Pan-African Principles
Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o’s letter is a clarion call for Ruto to reconsider his foreign policy direction. It urges a return to the principles of African unity and resistance against neo-colonial influences. For Kenya to uphold its legacy and future, it must prioritize African solidarity over aligning with external powers that have historically undermined the continent’s sovereignty.
Ruto’s administration faces a critical juncture: to redefine Kenya’s role on the global stage in a manner that honors its revolutionary history or to continue down a path that many see as compromising the nation’s integrity for short-term gains. The challenge lies in balancing national interests with the broader ideals of Pan-Africanism, ensuring that Kenya’s actions resonate with the aspirations of its people and the continent at large.
As Kenya navigates these turbulent waters, the world watches closely, hoping for a reaffirmation of the country’s commitment to the values that once made it a beacon of anti-colonial resistance.
