Thread by @HistoryKE

#HistoryKeThread Moi’s 1978 Washington Visit

In March of 1978, Vice President Daniel arap Moi led a strong Kenyan delegation to Washington. The delegation was hosted by U.S president Jimmy Carter.

This was at a time when Ethiopia and Somalia militaries were sparring over the Ogaden. In those days, Kenya had a military pact with Ethiopia.

In fact, Kenya sent detachments of some of its troops to fight alongside Ethiopia (Former Kenyan Chief of General Staff Mahmoud Mohammed was decorated over his exploits in the Ogaden war).

During the talks, President Carter said the U.S. government would supply Kenya with the necessary armaments needed to stave off a possible attack by Somalia, which had one of the best equipped militaries in Africa.

"We, the British and other Western friends", said President Carter, " will make arrangements to guarantee you adequate defence capabilities".

The State Department asked Congress to extend Kenya $10M in credit to complete the purchase of F-5 jet fighters.

It was reported by the White House Press team that the Kenyan delegation "expressed opposition" to a Marxist government in Ethiopia, and were concerned that Somalia would send troops to Kenya.

However, President Carter assured the Kenyan delegation that "firm commitments" had been received from Ethiopia's President Mengistu Haile Mariam and the Soviet Union not to cross the Somalian border, reducing the chances of war spilling over to Kenya.

The U.S had embargoed the sale of arms to both Somalia and Ethiopia, although the Cuban and Soviet governments had bolstered Mengistu's military with supplies of tanks and MIG fighters.

Reacting to the White House talks, Somalia lashed out at Kenya, accusing it of a "venomous campaign" to prevent America and other countries from aiding its cause.

- Photo credit: Kenya’s MoD website.