Kenya’s Deputy President Kithure Kindiki was missing as President William Ruto departed for New York to attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly, with Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen among those who saw him off.
Murkomen shared an update on his social media platforms as Ruto left the country for the United States.
He said he was honored to see off Ruto as the President departed for New York to attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
“Honored to have seen off H.E. President William Samoei Ruto as he departed for New York, United States, for the 81st United Nations General Assembly,” he shared.
Murkomen said Ruto would use the trip to enhance Kenya’s influence on the global stage.
He also said the President’s participation would help unlock more foreign direct investment for Kenya.
According to Murkomen, the President would also use the opportunity to strengthen Africa’s role in shaping the global digital economy.
The send-off included First Lady Rachel Ruto and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah.
Kindiki was not among the leaders Murkomen identified in the send-off, and the Deputy President’s absence stood out as Ruto departed for the international meeting.
Kenyan’s Spark Debate on Kindiki Absence
President William Ruto’s departure for New York sparked questions from some Kenyans over the absence of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki from the send-off.
Several commenters questioned why Kindiki was not seen alongside other senior government officials who accompanied the President.
Kinyua Miriti asked:
“Where is Professor Kindiki?”
Kipkorir Arap Serem also questioned the Deputy President’s absence, asking where Kindiki was despite his position as the country’s second-in-command.
“Where is the Deputy President Kithure Kindiki?”
Charles Warui similarly questioned why the Deputy President was not present during the send-off.
“Where is the second-in-command?”
Other commenters raised broader political questions about the composition of the President’s leadership team. Jacquet Ocumber, for instance, speculated about a possible future role for National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah.
“Could Ichung’wah be the next Deputy President? Things are heating up.”
Some commenters also questioned whether Kindiki’s absence was significant, while others linked it to wider political developments without providing evidence for the claims.
Kenyans Speculate on Possible Ruto-Gachagua Encounter in US
Ruto’s trip to the United States has sparked speculation among some Kenyans on social media about a possible encounter with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Also Read: Kindiki Makes Fresh Appeal to Uhuru Days After Ruto’s Attacks
Peter Mbugua questioned whether Gachagua’s presence in the US was connected to Ruto’s subsequent visit.
“Is it a coincidence that every time Rigathi Gachagua goes to the USA, Ruto must follow him a few days later?”
Other commenters also speculated about a possible meeting between the two former political allies.
Kîm Lábáñ suggested that a possible Ruto-Gachagua handshake could be among the developments to watch during the trip.
Antony Kisaria questioned whether Gachagua was still in the United States, while Ronoh Kipkirui suggested that he could be waiting for Ruto.
Rb Master linked the speculation to political activity among Kenyans in the US, while Levy Okwemba similarly suggested that Ruto could seek out Gachagua during the visit.
Jose Jose also suggested that the two could meet privately.
Gachagua’s US Tour Overlaps With Ruto’s New York Visit
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is currently on an extended tour of the United States that began in late August 2026 and is scheduled to run into early October.
Also Read: Gachagua Drags Ruto Into Muthaiga Golf Club Land Grab Storm
Gachagua left Kenya on the night of Wednesday, August 26, accompanied by his wife, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi.
The roughly 50-day tour is organized under his Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) and combines diaspora engagement with political strategy activities ahead of the 2027 elections.
The first 10 days of the trip were described as a rest and family period before formal diaspora and political engagements began.
Gachagua’s published itinerary includes Spokane, Washington, from September 4 to 10, followed by Portland, Oregon, from September 10 to 16.
He is scheduled to spend September 16 to 24 in Kansas City, followed by Dallas from September 24 to October 1.
The final scheduled stop is Boston, where he is expected to undertake further engagements from October 1 to 9 before returning to Kenya.
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