Ndegwa Njiru: Ruto’s UNGA Address Exposed Kenya’s Declining Influence

Nairobi, Kenya — September 25, 2025 (EAT).

Outspoken lawyer and political commentator Ndegwa Njiru has sharply criticised President William Ruto’s performance at the ongoing United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, accusing him of failing to attract global confidence and eroding Kenya’s diplomatic standing.

The Latest

Speaking during a political talk show on a local radio station Thursday evening, Njiru dismissed President Ruto’s speeches and bilateral meetings at the 80th UNGA as superficial attempts to “mask a lack of legitimacy on the world stage.”

“Ruto is having problems. Look at how he’s trying to convene a ‘mpango wa kando’ at the UNGA to convince people to support his botched Haiti mission,” Njiru said, referring to Kenya’s proposal to lead a multinational security mission to the crisis-hit Caribbean nation.

Njiru claimed that lukewarm international responses to Kenya’s initiatives revealed declining confidence in Nairobi’s leadership on key global issues.

Context in Brief

• Haiti mission setback: Kenya had offered to spearhead a UN-backed mission to restore order in Haiti, but funding gaps, human rights concerns, and opposition from Haitian civil society have stalled deployment.

• Global climate talks: Ruto has styled himself as Africa’s climate voice after hosting the Africa Climate Summit in 2023, yet critics say financial commitments from developed nations remain elusive.

• Debt diplomacy: Kenya’s external debt now stands at Ksh 11.3 trillion, with over 60% owed to bilateral and multilateral lenders, constraining fiscal space and limiting leverage in global forums.

Law, Policy, and Process

• UN Charter, Article 1: Calls for international cooperation in solving economic, social, cultural, and humanitarian problems.

• Kenya’s Foreign Policy Framework (2014): Prioritises Pan-Africanism, economic diplomacy, and peacebuilding leadership.

• Parliamentary oversight: Under Article 95 of the Constitution, MPs can summon the executive to explain foreign commitments.

Voices and Stakeholders

• Critics: “Kenya’s diplomacy risks becoming hostage to domestic politics,” said Prof. Peter Kagwanja, former adviser on governance and security, in a TV interview on Wednesday.

• Government: Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei defended Kenya’s UNGA agenda, noting meetings with US, EU, and African leaders on climate finance and trade partnerships.

• Civil society: Amnesty International–Kenya urged transparency on the Haiti mission, citing risks to Kenyan police officers and Haitian civilians alike.

Evidence & Data

• Debt stock: Ksh 11.3 trillion as of August 2025 (National Treasury).

• Peacekeeping record: Kenya has deployed forces to over 10 UN missions since 1979, including in Somalia (AMISOM/ATMIS) and Sierra Leone.

• Climate financing gap: Africa needs $277 billion annually for climate adaptation; current pledges fall below 12%.

Risks and Implications

• Diplomatic credibility: Perceived foreign policy missteps could weaken Kenya’s bargaining power in trade, climate, and security negotiations.

• Domestic politics: Opposition may weaponise UNGA optics ahead of the 2027 elections.

• Security reputation: Delays in the Haiti mission could undermine Kenya’s peacekeeping legacy in Africa and beyond.

What We Don’t Know

• Whether funding for the Haiti mission will materialise before year-end.

• If Kenya will secure climate finance pledges during the ongoing UNGA session.

• How global partners view Kenya’s debt sustainability in new trade talks.

Timeline

• 2023-09: Africa Climate Summit hosted in Nairobi; Ruto calls for global financial reforms.

• 2024-10: Haiti mission first approved by UN Security Council; deployment delayed over logistics and funding.

• 2025-09-25: Njiru criticises Ruto’s UNGA engagements on local radio.

What to Watch

• UN Security Council briefings on the Haiti mission funding gap (expected October 2025).

• Parliamentary debates on Kenya’s foreign policy performance after UNGA.

• US-Kenya investment talks following Ruto’s meetings with American CEOs in New York.

Related Coverage

• Ruto Urges Global Climate Financing Reforms at UNGA

• Kenya’s Haiti Mission Faces Funding and Human Rights Scrutiny

• National Assembly Seeks Clarity on Kenya’s Debt Diplomacy Strategy