Sifuna Meets US Chargé d’Affaires Susan Burns at Her Nairobi Residence

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has shared photos from a meeting with United States Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Susan Burns at her residence in Nairobi, drawing attention online amid his growing political engagements ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Sifuna posted the photos on X on Thursday, September 18, 2026, saying he had met Burns and her team at her residence.

“Happening….meeting @USEmbassyKenya Charge d’Affaires Susan Burns and her team at her residence in Nairobi,” Sifuna wrote.

The photographs showed Sifuna dressed in a blue suit and tie as he engaged Burns and another member of the diplomatic team, with an American flag visible in the background.

Sifuna did not disclose the agenda or specific issues discussed during the meeting.

Sifuna’s diplomatic engagements

The meeting comes as Sifuna continues to hold engagements with representatives of foreign missions in Kenya.

Two days earlier, on September 16, he met Dutch Ambassador to Kenya Henk Jan Bakker at the diplomat’s residence in Nairobi. Sifuna described the Dutch envoy and his team as warm and welcoming.

He has also recently engaged other foreign diplomatic representatives, including former French Ambassador to Kenya Arnaud Suquet and EU Ambassador to Kenya Henriette Geiger.

The latest meeting with Burns has consequently attracted attention because of Sifuna’s stated interest in contesting the presidency in 2027.

However, neither Sifuna nor the US Embassy has publicly indicated that the meeting was connected to his political ambitions.

Kenyans react to meeting

The photos prompted a range of reactions on social media.

Some users interpreted the engagement as part of Sifuna’s efforts to build relationships beyond Kenya’s domestic political sphere.

One user, @A_Mwanga17, wrote:

“Engaging the US Embassy Kenya is no small affair. It reflects the seriousness of his leadership and his growing engagement beyond the usual political theatre. While others make noise online, Sifuna is building relationships, exchanging ideas and doing the work.”

Others responded humorously, linking the meeting to Sifuna’s earlier encounter with students at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, where he was reportedly prevented from addressing students.

@LilyFloret wrote:

“Someone stops you from entering JKUAT, they catch you at the US Embassy. This life no balance!!!”

Other users used the opportunity to raise concerns about US visa policies.

@Tabogmail2 wrote:

“Salimia huyo Susan and tell her that I am saying, US iache kuibia Wakenya pesa hapo kwa embassy who genuinely want to go and study by denying them visas.”

Another user, @Osoro20Fred, linked the meeting to Sifuna’s political ambitions, writing:

“My President is already doing bilateral talks. Sifuna x Susan Burns. Kenya-US relations secured under Linda Mwananchi government. We are not playing.”

Other reactions focused on Sifuna’s broader political activities and the approaching 2027 election.

Who is Susan Burns?

Susan Burns is the Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy in Nairobi and currently serves as the top-ranking US diplomat in Kenya. She assumed the position in August 2025.

Burns has been involved in various Kenya-US engagements, including discussions on justice cooperation, health and economic relations.

The US has not had a Senate-confirmed ambassador to Kenya since Meg Whitman left the position in November 2024, leaving Burns to lead the embassy as Chargé d’Affaires.