Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga met with Marc D. Dillard, the U.S. Embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires in Nairobi, to discuss the recent suspension of USAID operations in Kenya. Odinga expressed deep concerns over the potential devastating impact on humanitarian services, particularly access to life-saving medications. He appealed to the U.S. government to rethink decisions that could adversely affect essential health services in the country.

The meeting comes in the wake of a U.S. federal court ruling that ordered the reinstatement of nearly all USAID funds, deeming the previous aid withdrawal unconstitutional. This decision has sparked global debates about the implications of cutting foreign aid, especially in sectors crucial to public health and welfare.

The suspension of USAID funding has already led to significant disruptions in Kenya, with many NGOs halting operations and essential services like healthcare, education, and food security facing challenges. Thousands of employees have lost their jobs, creating financial uncertainty for many families.