Kenyan President William Ruto has publicly defended the country's growing diplomatic and trade relations with China amid a U.S. congressional move to review Kenya's designation as a major non-NATO ally. Ruto emphasized that Kenya's partnership with China is in the nation's best interest, highlighting that China has removed tariffs on key Kenyan exports such as tea, coffee, and avocado. The U.S. Senate's review is reportedly driven by concerns over Kenya's closer ties with Beijing and allegations related to Kenya's relationship with Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF), including potential use of U.S. intelligence in abductions and renditions. Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has expressed support for the U.S. review but also made claims linking President Ruto to the RSF and Al Shabaab, which government leaders have dismissed as divisive and unsubstantiated. Gachagua has refused to record a statement with Kenyan police but indicated willingness to provide information to the U.S. Senate. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki have urged Gachagua to cooperate with Kenyan authorities regarding terrorism allegations. Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has maintained that Kenya is not under siege and affirmed that Kenya-U.S. ties remain intact despite the Senate probe. President Ruto has also rejected political pressure related to calls for him to serve only one presidential term, asserting he will not be blackmailed by critics ahead of the 2027 elections. Opposition leader Raila Odinga has pledged to continue supporting Ruto beyond 2027, urging critics to withhold judgment until then.