Kenya’s President William Ruto Ends US State Visit with Renewed Allyship

A central point in Ruto’s visit and in his joint press conference with U.S. President Joe Biden is how both countries are working together to foster the strength of institutions, easily interpreted as pro-democracy allies. Africa has witnessed half a dozen coups over the last three years, which has led to the expulsion of western powers, and more countries turning towards China and Russia as economic and political allies.

Kenya, a regional powerhouse, has intervened in conflicts in Somalia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and more. A deepened Kenya-U.S. bond is important to the American government, as it hopes that Kenya can become an even stronger powerhouse in Sub-Saharan Africa with its assistance.

A key example is the Biden administration funding Ruto’s decision to send 1,000 Kenyan policemen to help restore law and order in Haiti, as it continues to deal with severe gang violence since the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in July 2021.

The first batch of the Kenyan special forces police has just arrived in the Caribbean country, as part of a UN-backed mission which will comprise officers from several countries.

Despite Kenyans widely panning the decision and a high court ruling rejecting the deployment plan in January, Ruto signed a security agreement with Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry in March to bypass the court’s ruling. Even before his U.S. visit, observers said the planned Haiti intervention was a move to gain western validation, particularly from the U.S.

“It’s not surprising that Ruto signed the deal. He wants international recognition especially from the U.S.,” security analyst Dominic Wabala told The Africa Report.

Speaking with Voice of America about the significance of Ruto’s U.S. visit, executive director of Amnesty International Kenya, Irũngũ Houghton, juxtaposed the Kenyan president’s parlaying with the west against his abysmal rating at home due to increased cost of living, rampant taxation, generally poor economic policies and social services. “He’s routinely booed in several rallies across the country,” Houghton says.

However, President Ruto will feel he has pulled off a massive haul of tangible benefits from his visit to the U.S. and his partnership with the American government. The Biden administration has pledged millions of dollars to Kenya across a sprawling number of sectors, from health and education, to security and AI policy.

Here are the highlights of President Ruto’s four-day visit to the U.S:

Monday

Ruto first landed in Atlanta, where he spoke on “Global Democracy Partnership” at the Carter Center on Monday. “In several countries, we have seen unconstitutional changes of government that have threatened democratic gains,” the president said in his address. “Consequently, this is a crucial time for reflecting on the need to strengthen democracy worldwide.”

Tuesday

A town hall meeting with Kenyans living in the U.S. was held at Cobb Galleria Center, where Ruto delivered a near-hour long speech. He visited the Center for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, and witnessed the signing of MoUs between the CDC and Kenya Medical Research Institute. Later he spoke at Spelman College on “Investing in a Shared Future Through Higher Education.” He also spoke on “Trade and Investment Generates Prosperity” at the Coca-Cola Headquarters, and went on a tour of the Tyler Perry Studios.

Wednesday

President Biden and President Ruto met with business leaders to discuss technology and its mutual benefit for the Kenya-U.S. partnership.

“We're launching a new era of technological cooperation between Kenya and America, including new exchanges and investments in key fields of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and semiconductors. And this progress is thanks in large part to the leaders around this table,” Biden said in his remarks.

Later in the day, the Kenyan president went to the Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia to pay respects to the fallen heroes of America.

Thursday

A state arrival ceremony kick-started the events of the day, as President Ruto and Kenya’s first lady, Rachel Ruto, were received on the lawn of the White House. Both presidents spoke at a joint press conference, before Ruto went to the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg Centre to speak on “Shared Climate Solutions.”

A lavish state dinner at the White House concluded President Ruto’s four-day visit to the U.S. The black tie event was graced by a litany of popular people across politics and entertainment, including former U.S. President Barack Obama, actor Sean Penn, Zimbabwean American actress Danai Gurira, Somali-born U.S. congresswoman Ilhan Omar, and many more.

President Ruto led a toast to 60 years of strong ties between Kenya and America, with guests raising their wine-filled glasses while seated around tables adorned by pink orchids and red roses.