Editor's Review

Earlier reports indicated that the US official gave instructions that CS Kuria should not be part of his engagements with Kenya's delegation.

US Trade Representative Katherine Tai has declined to explain why Kenya's Trade and Investment Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria was not a party to her key meeting at State House Nairobi where she was hosted by President William Ruto.

Tai in a press conference when asked about Kuria's absence pushed the question to the Kenyan government.

"I did not meet with CS Kuria, in terms of why I did not meet with him I'd have to refer you to the Kenyan government," Tai told the press.

She explained that her visit was about deepening trade relations between Kenya and the US.

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US Trade Representative Katherine Tai in a picture with President William Ruto alongside Kenya and the US delegation.

"My visit here is very much about advancing, deepening, and broadening the USA-Kenya relationship in economics as well as the USA trade relationship with East Africa," she said.

The absence of CS Moses Kuria at the State House meeting raised concerns among Kenyans considering the basis of her visit squarely falls in his docket.

The CS has been present in several trade meetings involving Kenya and his absence on Wednesday was a shocker to some. 

A report by a local daily indicated that Tai declined to meet Kuria citing his "foul mouth".

Kuria's recent remarks are said to have pushed the US official to decline to hold talks with CS Kuria.