Ruto Flies Out Of Kenya In First Trip Since Protests

President William Ruto has left the country for the first time since a series of nationwide protests against punitive tax proposals in the deleted Finance Bill forced him to withdraw those proposals, thus slowing down his foreign travels.

State House spokesperson, Hussein Mohamed, announced on Sunday, August 11 that President Ruto was invited by Rwanda President Paul Kagame, who was re-elected for a fourth term in the July 15 elections.

Ruto is set to attend Kagame's inauguration ceremony, which is expected to be a grand celebration of his leadership. 

Several Heads of State and government are expected to attend the inauguration of Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame, following his overwhelming 99 percent victory in the elections.

President William Ruto and President Paul Kagame of Rwanda during a past meeting. /FILE

"President William Ruto travels to Kigali, Rwanda, today at the invitation of H.E. Paul Kagame to attend the inauguration ceremony of President Kagame for his fourth term, following the successful July 15th election," Mohamed announced in part on X.

"Under President Kagame, Kenya-Rwanda relations have blossomed, with commercial and people-to-people ties further consolidating for the mutual benefit of both countries and the region."

Confirmed attendees also include Samia Suluhu of Tanzania. The inauguration ceremony will feature a grand military parade, showcasing Rwanda’s disciplined and well-trained forces.

In addition to the military display, traditional dance performances will take centre stage to celebrate the country’s rich cultural heritage, adding a vibrant and festive atmosphere to the event.

President Paul Kagame was re-elected for a fourth term as president during the general elections held in Rwanda on July 15.

The 66-year-old, who vied under the ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) ticket, secured his fourth term after overwhelmingly defeating his two challengers, Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda and independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana.

The electoral commission declared him the winner after he garnered 99.15 per cent of the votes cast by over 9 million Rwandans registered voters. Kagame’s re-election marks 24 years as president of the nation since his first election in 2000.

Meanwhile, Ruto, who was known for his frequent international engagements, last travelled abroad in mid-June when he attended a summit in Italy before extending to Switzerland.

Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Dr Korir Sing’Oei last month hinted that President Ruto would slow down on his foreign trips which had sparked widespread condemnation from Kenyans.

At the time of the statement, Ruto had visited more than 36 foreign countries since taking office to the presidency after his victory in the 2022 General Election.

Dr. Korir, while speaking in a media interview on July 21, 2024, however, said that moving forward, the government would be considering only critical foreign events that must be attended by the Head of State.

President William Ruto alongside First Lady Rachel Ruto and Prime Cabinet Secretary (PCS) Musalia Mudavadi before leaving the country for Tanzania and Zimbabwe on April 25, 2024. /PCS