Belgut MP defends Kenya-China ties in response to US Senator Risch's criticism

Belgut Member of Parliament, Nelson Koech, who chairs Kenya's Defence, Intelligence & Foreign Relations Committee, has formally responded to U.S. Senator Jim Risch, the head of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, addressing recent concerns about Kenya’s growing ties with China.

Senator Risch raised eyebrows during a Senate hearing on May 13, expressing unease over President William Ruto’s recent remarks describing Kenya and China as co-architects of a "new world order."

"It’s astonishing to see President Ruto and Chinese leaders speaking of a new world order together, especially considering the decades of American investment and partnership," Risch remarked, asserting that the global order was a U.S.-led creation.

"We must stop building US policy in Africa around individual leaders and instead focus on strengthening institutions, expanding private sector ties and empowering the region's young populations."

In his response, Koech emphasized that President Ruto’s remarks about a new world order should be understood as a declaration of Africa’s right to influence its own destiny, rather than a shift in loyalty.

He stated, "Kenya advocates for a fairer global system—one where Africa plays a significant role in shaping international governance and economic policies."

Koech further highlighted that President Donald Trump has been advocating for reforms within global institutions while seeking improved conditions for the United States, and Kenya deserves the same opportunity.

He thus urged for a respectful reevaluation that honors sovereignty, autonomy, and reciprocal advantage.

Koech clarified that Kenya is not distancing itself from the US but is merely broadening its diplomatic horizons, "as any country is entitled to do."

He also invited Senator Risch and his committee to visit Kenya "to see firsthand the clear vision we have for our future."