President William Ruto, President of Kenya, made a stunned diplomatic gesture during his trip to the United States, which caused reaction and criticism amongst the Kenyan citizens. During his visit to the United States, President Joe Biden hosted a show-stopping reception for his guest, President William Ruto, and his family days ago.
During the reception, there was a brief press conference, new business deals were signed by the two countries, and a dinner party was hosted by some amazing American country music artists.
However, Kenyan citizens were not so happy with this state visit gesture, while some speculated that President Williams Ruto displayed an excellent diplomatic gesture.
According to some critics, President William Ruto’s high-flying diplomatic gesture can only be displayed in global engagement, like his visit to the US, but it is in contrast to how he interacts at home.
Kenyan critics observed his spending habits and other involvement in the Haiti debacle, a consistent habit when he is on a foreign visit. However, some Kenyans congratulated President Williams Ruto on his public display, tagging it as a foreign policy masterstroke that they consider good for Kenya’s status.
President Williams Ruto arrived in the United States on May 20, 2024. He was accompanied by his wife and three daughters for four days. When he arrived in Washington, DC, on May 23, he went straight to visit the president of the United States and other diplomats.
During the Statehouse visit, a press conference section was hosted, where new business deals were announced. President Biden also talked about a “new era of technological cooperation” between Kenya and the US that will help promote cybersecurity infrastructure and other semiconductor manufacturing.
Also, an elaborate red carpet and state dinner were organised to grace the occasion by Jill Biden, President Joe Biden’s wife, and her staff.
During the dinner, some amazing personalities graced the occasion with their presence, including former president Bill Clinton, former president Barack Obama, and former US presidential Candidate Hillary Clinton.
The US did an excellent job, hosting their guest on top-class American Cuisine and also giving President William Ruto, who is a lover of country music, a couple of country artists to perform, including Brad Paisley.
During an interview with CNN by Richard Quest, President William Ruto was questioned about Kenya’s preference for Chinese or Western investment. Larry Madowo replied on Twitter to Ruto’s reply as a trick to endanger Kenya.
“Does President William Ruto Prefer Investments from China or the Us? We are neither facing west or east; we are facing forward, “ Ruto Replied
Further review from Africans reveals that despite US deepening ties with Kenya, Kenya is still in debt to China.
“Ruto must be careful, despite the US deal, Kenya is still $6 billion in debt to China,” The African Review said.
Taking to Twitter, Kenyans revealed the extravagant spending of the Kenyan government just for the state visit. Kenyans called President Ruto out for hiring a Boeing Business Jet from Emirati Company for over $1.5 million.
“Ruto is the first African President on a US state visit, that’s not even the issue when you think he hired a 1.5 million dollars (KSH 200 million) private jet. We are definitely in trouble as a country, for sure, “Cosmo wrote on X.
But the controversy remains. While others bash President Williams Ruto, other Kenyans applaud the president and see the state visit as a foreign policy win for Kenya, showing the various deals that were sealed by President William Ruto.
President William Ruto signed new deals in different areas, including green energy, security, education, and governance.
However, Honourable Dr Rachel Nyamai, who is a Kenyan parliament member, commented on Twitter. She hailed the US state visit as a historic moment for Kenya.
“President William Samoei Ruto’s visit to the US is historic for Kenya. Designation as a major non-Nato ally is a milestone. Congratulations @WilliamsRuto for exemplary representation. Thanks to President Biden and the American people for their hospitality“. She wrote on X
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