US Ambassador to Kenya, Kyle McCarter in heated exchange on Twitter over controversial headline in the Star newspaper

US Ambassador in heated exchange over controversial headline in the Star newspaper, issues tough statement

Charles Ouma

November 2, 2019 11:04 AM

Total RUBBISH! Journalistic malpractice.Nonsense-Kyle Mc Carter

US Envoy to Kenya, Kyle McCarter

The US Ambassador to Kenya, Kyle McCarter went on the rampage on Friday after he took to Twitter to correct an article published in the Star newspaper which he termed as misleading and fake.

In a bold response, McCarter dismissed the reports alleging that the US had abandoned the Nairobi-Mombasa expressway project with China now set to implement the project and swiftly responded to netizens who joined in the discussion.

“There is so much wrong with this article I don’t know where to start to respond. Total RUBBISH! Journalistic malpractice. Start w/ picture of the right highway! Actual FACTS to follow.” Tweeted the envoy who attached a picture of the misleading piece.

One Twitter User, @Kimani Mbugua who replied to the envoy’s comment stating that the Kenyans are against such mega projects that add no value was swiftly tackled by the diplomat.

“Whether fake or not, Kenyans are against such mega projects. It adds no value” Tweeted Mbugua.

In a swift response, McCarter stated dismissed Mbugua’s claims, stating: “Nonsense. Infrastructure is needed but at affordable prices, great quality, debt that can be paid back, transparent contracts, Kenyan labor, and no thievery”.

As he promised in his earlier tweet, a statement posted on the embassy’s website provided more clarity on the actual state of the mega project.

The statement read in part that “The United States remains fully committed to the Nairobi-Mombasa expressway project and to fulfilling President Trump and President Kenyatta’s shared pledge to make this critically needed road a reality.

“Contrary to recent press reports, the highway is an investment that won’t saddle Kenya with unsustainable debt. To the contrary, this project by a world-class U.S. company will provide the best engineered solutions for Kenya’s infrastructure needs at a lower price than competitors and for far better value. “

The statement asserted that unlike other projects that have left Kenta hugely in debt with much of the funds lost to corruption, “doing business with a U.S. company helps combat corruption through the anti-bribery provisions of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.”.

Charles Ouma