United States ambassador to Kenya Kyle McCarter appeared to mock Kenya’s National Prayer Breakfast held at Safari Park hotel in Nairobi on Thursday. President Kenyatta led leaders in attending the meeting, themed ‘new dawn’.
In a tweet, Ambassador McCarter took a dig at Kenyan leaders attending the annual event.
“Kenyan leaders are praying and asking for forgiveness for the sin of thievery at the 17th annual National Prayer Breakfast.”
“What a good start to take the nation on the path of prosperity the wananchi deserve. We must all do our part,” McCarter sarcastically tweeted.
Earlier this month, McCarter said Kenyans implicated in corruption would not be allowed to visit the US.
He also said their family members would be denied entry into the US and their children block from schooling there.
“You cannot allow somebody to steal Sh20 billion and fine them Sh10 billion. We deal with thieves in a very brutal way, not even according to the law,” he said.
“Somehow, we tolerate the theft of billions in Kenya. If we stop tolerating thievery, Kenya will be a shining star for democracy and prosperity in Africa.”
His tweet has attracted hundreds of comments, likes, and retweets from online users.
@tobiasnivah said:” They aren’t asking for forgiveness. They are thanking God for giving them an opportunity to loot and asking for more opportunities.”
@rkmazer noted:”I’m an American living in Kenya too, and am disappointed in your statement. I would hope for more useful analysis and engagement on this topic that is costing Kenyans dearly. So my Kenyan taxes get misappropriated, then my American taxes go to palliative statements about it?”
@chrisogonas stated:” Ambassador I hope you’re engaging the power of sarcasm. Career thieves need no prayers. Their prayers are a mockery to the nation and God. Before prayer, during prayer, after prayer, these folks will remain the same. No business conducting this prayer ritual every year. Bure!!!”
@Munene80 noted:”Ambassador is it really thievery alone affecting our Nation? What about jobs, economy drought, and cohesion.”
@CisNyakundi:”Sin of thievery? Then the prayers should have been held at Kamiti prison not a five-star hotel with limited entry.”
@Paul_Muite tweeted:”Balozi, this is a ritual we go through every year.”
@Kimori_7 said:”love your sarcasm.”
By John Wanjohi
