President William Ruto
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President William Ruto commenced a diplomatic mission to Ghana on Monday to attend the inauguration of President John Mahama, who secured a second term in office in 2024.
This visit followed a special invitation extended by Mahama during his previous trip to Kenya in December 2024. While in Ghana, President Ruto held high-level discussions with several heads of state, focusing on critical areas of mutual interest, including trade, energy, oil, textiles, agriculture, and diplomatic relations.
In his capacity as the African Union Champion for Institutional Reform, a role he assumed from Rwandan President Paul Kagame in February 2024, Ruto utilized this platform to advance discussions on reforms to enhance the African Union's efficiency and strategic direction. During his stay in the capital city of Accra, Ruto met with Togolese President Faure Gnassingbé, where they explored matters related to African Union reforms.
Gnassingbé voiced his support for Raila Odinga's candidacy for the chairpersonship of the African Union Commission (AUC). Additionally, Ruto engaged with Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, the Vice-President of Equatorial Guinea, who similarly promised backing for Odinga’s bid. On the sidelines of the inauguration events, Ruto convened with the United Kingdom’s Minister for Africa, Lord Collins.
Their discussions highlighted the importance of stability across Africa, particularly within the Great Lakes Region. Ruto expressed appreciation for the UK’s ongoing support for peace and security initiatives on the continent. Furthermore, Ruto met with Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area, to deliberate on enhancing intra-African trade potential.
He urged that such opportunities could be fully realized only if conditions for business flourish. In a notable development, President Ruto sought support from Botswana's President Duma Boko for Raila Odinga's candidacy for the AUC chairmanship during their first meeting in Ghana. Meanwhile, President William Ruto is set to embark on a three-day tour of the North Rift region starting Thursday, focusing primarily on development projects in his home county Uasin Gishu.
Governor Jonathan Bii expresses enthusiasm about the visit, stating, “We are ready to welcome the President to this royal county so that together with the people of Uasin Gishu, we have a chance to discuss development issues.”
Ahead of Ruto’s arrival, Cabinet Secretary for Water, Erick Muriithi, encouraged residents to participate in welcoming the President and engaging in discussions regarding development initiatives. The tour will encompass Elgeyo Marakwet, Trans Nzoia, and Uasin Gishu Counties, according to the official itinerary.
“We will have extensive discussions on development matters and we welcome all residents to participate,” Muriithi remarked.