Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has urged US President Donald Trump to appoint a "tough" ambassador to Kenya, akin to Smith Hempstone, to address alleged human rights abuses by President William Ruto's administration. This comes as Kenya faces potential diplomatic fallout with the United States, including a review of its Major Non-NATO Ally status.

• Rigathi Gachagua advocated for a US ambassador with the qualities of Smith Hempstone, who served from 1989 to 1993.

• Gachagua accused President William Ruto's administration of "grave human rights abuses" during the official opening of the Midwest Chapter of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) in Kansas City on Wednesday, August 6.

• A motion in the US Senate, fronted by Senator James Risch, seeks to review Kenya's Major Non-NATO Ally status, granted in June 2024, due to concerns about Kenya's relationships with China, Russia, and Iran.