A senior Kenyan official expressed concern on Friday about reported comments made by the United Nations deputy secretary-general regarding President William Ruto, which were leaked in a classified U.S. document.
According to the BBC, Amina Mohammed told U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in February that Ruto was “ruthless” and that she “doesn’t trust him.”
Kenya is a significant hub for U.N. operations. However, Reuters has not been able to verify the authenticity of the documents. When asked about Mohammed’s alleged remarks, Kenyan foreign affairs official Korir Sing’oei called it “disturbing,” while also emphasizing Kenya’s opposition to the surveillance of U.N. leadership.
Sing’oei stated that Ruto will continue with his international efforts to address climate change, reform global financial institutions, and provide leadership on regional peace and security issues. In response to the report, U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said Mohammed’s comments had been taken out of context and that she held President Ruto in high regard.
Dujarric also confirmed that Mohammed will visit Nairobi later this month for a pre-planned trip, during which she will meet with the president. Kenya’s U.N.
Ambassador Martin Kimani also spoke with Guterres and Mohammed to seek clarification on their reported sentiments, expressing opposition to the surveillance of the secretary-general, which he deemed contrary to international laws and acceptable practices.
