Trump Commends Kenyatta in Fight Against Terrorism

U.S. President Donald Trump spoke with his Kenyan counterpart Uhuru Kenyatta by phone Wednesday to discuss a wide range of issues, including the fight against terrorism and the improvement of trade between the two countries.

In a statement released by the White House, President Trump reiterated his government’s commitment to strengthen its bilateral relationship with Kenya and commended the Kenyan government for its contribution in the ongoing war against terrorism in neighboring Somalia.

“The two leaders discussed our economic partnership and mutual dedication to overcoming terrorism and other regional security challenges through close cooperation,” the White House said.

The two heads of state also discussed ways to enhance bilateral trade and investment in Kenya and the larger East African region.

Combined Efforts To End Terrorism

Kenya and the United States are actively involved in the war against global terrorism, with the two countries suffering several deadly terror attacks in the past.

Kenya sent its troops to Somalia in 2011 as part of the African Union Mission in Somalia, which was formed to fight the Somali-based terror group al-Shabaab and help restore stability in the Horn of Africa nation.

Al-Shabaab, which swears its allegiance to al-Qaeda, has been fighting to establish a caliphate in Somalia.

Since 2011, the terror group has carried out several deadly attacks on Kenya in what it claims to be revenge for Kenya’s deployment of its troops in Somalia.

The war has led to the killing of thousands of civilians and the displacement of millions of Somalis to neighboring countries.

Somalia is among the six Muslim-majority countries that have been affected by President Trump’s latest travel ban to the United States.

More Than Trade Partners

From 1964, one year after Kenya gained its independence from the United Kingdom, the United States established a cordial diplomatic partnership with Kenya, a relationship that has continued to grow stronger over time.

Since the disputed Kenyan election in 2007, the United States has been actively involved in promoting political, institutional, and constitutional reforms in the East African country, ensuring there is democracy and rule of law.

Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta (L) looks on as U.S. President Barack Obama signs a guest book as he arrives aboard Air Force One at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi July 24, 2015. Photo credit: REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst

In July 2015, then-U.S. President Barack Obama visited Kenya, making him the first sitting President of the United States to ever visit Kenya. His visit was preceded by another historic visit by former U.S. President Bill Clinton two months earlier.

President Obama’s father, Barack Obama Sr., was Kenyan, a factor that has further cemented relations between the two countries.

But despite the many years of successful corporation between the two nations, many people are cynical about the future with President Trump.

Fredrick Ngugi

Fredrick is a Kenyan journalist with years of experience in freelance writing. He worked as a web content writer for various local and international corporations including 4 Wheel Online, Web Partner Group, Wedding Services Kenya, and Decadent Daylilies. He is also an avid blogger, political commentator and human rights crusader.

View Comments

  • Good grief! I would be more than cynical about any relationship with Trump. Whether political or business, he is a master con artist and an uncontrollable liar. Have you not been watching what is happening in the US??? Tread lightly......

Recent Posts

9-year-old’s decision to give his only dollar to tycoon he assumed was homeless earns him free shopping spree

It was an act of goodwill with no intended expectation in mind. Donating his only…

12 hours ago

Meet Goldfields’ Catherine Kuupol, who is now the first woman general manager in Ghana’s mining history

Get to know Ms. Catherine Kuupol, a mineral engineer who has provided metallurgical technical services…

13 hours ago

Haitian-American teen gets accepted into 17 colleges with over $1 million in scholarships

Yves-Ann Comeau, 18, is gaining attention for her recent accomplishment of being accepted into 17…

15 hours ago

Solicitor says he was pinned down by court guards in ‘George Floyd manner’: ‘I was just trying to do my job’

Lawyers say they are considering a boycott of a court following an incident where up…

16 hours ago

Larry Demeritte becomes first Caribbean trainer at Kentucky Derby despite cancer battle

Larry Demeritte is the first Caribbean trainer to participate in the Kentucky Derby and the…

17 hours ago

Beyoncé’s name is regarded as a noun in French dictionary …here is why

She is celebrated globally for her groundbreaking work across the music and movie industry. But,…

20 hours ago

Aspiring medical doctor left brain-dead after allegedly being pushed into lake by friend

The family of an aspiring medical doctor is seeking justice after he was left brain-dead…

21 hours ago

Opal Lee awarded nation’s highest civilian honor ahead of receiving her 8th honorary degree

Once more, popular 97-year-old activist Opal Lee has received honor; this time, the President of…

21 hours ago

Career shoplifter gets 30 years after using soft-sided cooler to steal $20k worth of designer sunglasses

A Florida woman described as a career shoplifter was handed a 30-year prison sentence after…

21 hours ago

Cleveland agrees to pay $4.8M to family of teen fatally struck during high-speed police chase

The city of Cleveland, Ohio, has reached a $4.8 million settlement with the family of…

22 hours ago

‘It felt really scary’ – 14-year-old Nigerian ballet sensation on learning he’s largely blind in one eye

Anthony Madu, the 14-year-old Nigerian dancer from Lagos who gained admission to a prestigious ballet…

4 days ago

‘I remember the day when 56 dollars would change my life’: Wayne Brady reveals humble beginnings

Actor-host Wayne Brady recently opened up about his early financial struggles in his now thriving…

4 days ago

This 1-year-old loves to greet people at Target, so the store hired him as its youngest employee

Mia Arianna, also known as @mia.ariannaa on TikTok, helped her son become an honorary team…

4 days ago

Postman drives 379 miles at his own expense to deliver lost World War II letters to a family

Alvin Gauthier, a Grand Prairie USPS postman, recently went above and beyond to brighten a…

4 days ago

Maj. Gen. Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed becomes Kenya’s first-ever female air force head

Maj. Gen. Fatuma Gaiti Ahmed is the first female commander of the air force and…

4 days ago