Ruto, Uhuru Meet US Delegates [PHOTOS]

President-elect, William Ruto, hosted a delegation from the United States (US) led by Delaware Senator Chris Andrew Coons at his Karen office, Nairobi on Thursday, August 18.

Photos seen by Viral Tea showed the delegation meeting with Ruto and his Kenya Kwanza camp consisting of deputy president-elect, Rigathi Gachagua, Musalia Mudavadi, Moses Wetangula, outgoing Machakos Governor, Alfred Mutua, Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ababu Namwamba, among others.

Ruto disclosed details regarding the meeting after it took place, through his social media handles.

President-elect William Ruto hosts esteemed guests and US delegation at his Karen office on August 18, 2022. /DPPS

This is his first interaction with foreign dignitaries since he was declared president-elect by Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairman, Wafula Chebukati.

The talks covered the just-concluded August 9 general elections as well as areas in which Kenya and the US can corporate with each other in keeping their fruitful relationship ahead of the transition into the new government.

The US Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman, who is currently the richest person living in the country, also attended the meeting.

"Held talks with Congressional Delegation from the United States led by Delaware Senator Chris Andrew Coons in the company of US Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman at the Karen Office, Nairobi County.

"The talks touched on the just concluded elections in the country and areas of cooperation between Kenya and United States. We commit to deepening relations and further partnership for the mutual benefit of the citizens of the two countries," he wrote.

The delegation was led by US Senator from Delaware, Chris Coons, who landed in the country on Thursday morning, August 18 and was received by Whitman at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi.

The delegation will also meet with leaders from NGOs, conservationists and health providers.

President-elect William Ruto hosts esteemed guests and US delegation at his Karen office on August 18, 2022. /DPPS

The delegation is on a five-country Africa visit after tours in South Africa, DR Congo and South Africa. 

By the time of publication, Coons was yet to meet Raila Odinga of the Azimio la Umoja coalition, who rejected the presidential results announced by Chebukati, vowing to challenge them at the Supreme Court.

President-elect William Ruto hosts esteemed guests and US delegation at his Karen office on August 18, 2022. /DPPS

President-elect William Ruto hosts esteemed guests and US delegation at his Karen office on August 18, 2022. /DPPS

Uhuru's First Public Appearance Since Ruto's Election Win

President Uhuru Kenyatta on the same day met and held discussions with Coons who paid him a courtesy call at State House Nairobi. The senator commended President Kenyatta for ensuring peace and stability prevailed during the election period.

“We are encouraged by the peace Kenya has continued to experience during this period,” said Senator Coons.

On his part, President Kenyatta said Kenya will remain steadfast in entrenching the principles of good governance to ensure the country upholds its position as a shining example of democracy in the continent by maintaining peace during this transition period.

“My greatest desire is that peace will prevail and we may set an example in the continent and the world,” President Kenyatta said.

Also present during the talks were Cabinet Secretaries Raychelle Omamo (Foreign Affairs) Betty Maina (Trade) and Whitman among others.

President Uhuru Kenyatta meets the US delegation, led by visiting US Senator, Chris Coons at State House on August 18, 2022. /PSCU