A political earthquake is shaking Westminster after the Liberal Democrats publicly called for a UK government inquiry into hostile foreign interference to officially investigate the actions of the United States. This unprecedented demand seeks to place Britain's closest ally alongside states like Russia as a potential threat to its democratic processes.

The move redefines the very meaning of 'foreign interference' for nations like Kenya, which have long navigated the complex interests of global superpowers. It raises a critical question: what happens when a nation's staunchest friend begins to be viewed as a hostile actor by another Western power?

In a letter to Communities Secretary Steve Reed, who is overseeing the review, the Liberal Democrats argued that the US government's explicit support for far-right nationalist parties in Europe constitutes foreign interference. The party's foreign affairs spokesperson, Calum Miller, and other senior members pointed to Washington's new national security strategy as cause for alarm.

Concerns Over 'Civilisational' Rhetoric

The US strategy document, published this month, has been widely criticised for its inflammatory language. It warns that Europe faces “civilisational erasure” from migration and praises the “growing influence of patriotic European parties.” Critics note this language echoes the racist “great replacement” conspiracy theory. The strategy document explicitly states that Washington should “cultivate resistance” within Europe, a phrase the Liberal Democrats argue is a direct call for interference in the domestic politics of the UK and other European nations.

The British inquiry was originally launched after the jailing of Nathan Gill, a former senior figure in the Reform UK party. Gill was sentenced to ten and a half years in prison for accepting bribes to make pro-Russian statements while he was a Member of the European Parliament. The case exposed shocking vulnerabilities and prompted the government to establish an independent review into the impact of foreign financial influence, which was expected to focus primarily on Russia and China.

For Kenya, this development in London is more than just foreign news. Our nation has frequently faced accusations of being a playground for competing global interests, impacting everything from infrastructure projects to domestic politics. The UK's willingness to publicly question the actions of its most powerful ally could signal a shift in how Western nations hold each other accountable, a precedent that will be watched closely in Nairobi.

The Liberal Democrats' letter to the government was blunt, stating, “Though the impetus for this investigation follows grave concerns about the extent of Russia’s penetration of our political system, we must be clear-eyed too about the threat of interference now posed by the United States.” The letter warns that failing to include the Trump administration in the probe “would be deeply irresponsible and would leave a gaping hole in our defences.”