In a geopolitical twist that few predicted, Venezuela’s Interim President Delcy Rodriguez is scheduled to touch down in Washington DC, marking the first such visit by a Venezuelan leader in over 25 years.

The high-stakes diplomatic mission comes barely weeks after US special forces executed "Operation Absolute Resolve," a daring raid that dismantled the Maduro regime. The visit underscores a rapid realignment of power in the oil-rich nation and a thaw in relations that has sent shockwaves through the global energy markets.

From Pariah to Partner

Rodriguez, a former ally of the deposed Nicolas Maduro, was sworn in as Interim President following the dramatic January 3rd operation that saw Maduro and his wife captured and flown to New York to face trial. Her invitation to the White House signals Washington’s pragmatic—some say cynical—approach to stabilizing the region. "Venezuela is working out well," President Donald Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One. "We are open to meeting."

The agenda is expected to be dominated by two things: oil and amnesty. With global crude prices volatile, the US is keen to bring Venezuelan barrels back online. For Rodriguez, the visit is a bid for legitimacy and the lifting of crushing sanctions.

• The Oil Factor: Venezuela holds the world's largest proven oil reserves. Restoring production is key to stabilising global prices, which directly impacts the pump price in Kenya (currently averaging Sh185 per litre).
• The Opposition Dilemma: Hardliners like Maria Corina Machado are wary. They view Rodriguez as "Maduro-lite" and demand a complete purge of the old guard.
• The Precedent: This level of direct US interventionism hasn't been seen since Panama in 1989, raising fears of a new era of "Gunboat Diplomacy" in Latin America.

A Fragile Transition

Back in Caracas, the mood is a mix of relief and anxiety. The streets are calm, but the power grid remains spotty. "We just want food on the table," said one resident. "We don't care if the President is in Miraflores or a US jail."

As Rodriguez prepares to shake hands in the Oval Office, the world watches. Is this the dawn of democracy for Venezuela, or merely a change of management approved by the empire?