President William Ruto and Deputy President (DP) Rigathi Gachagua met for the first in the last one week.
Gachagua, who has been missing out on key government events was part of the delegation that saw off the president as he departed the country for his state visit to the United States of America on the night of May 19, 2024.
“This evening, I led senior government officials in seeing off our President William Ruto as he left the country for a 4-Day State visit to the United States of America,” Gachagua wrote on X.
Gachagua said Ruto’s visit will strengthen the relationship between the two countries and promote development in Kenya.
“It is our strategy to seek new and cement existing Bilateral and Multilateral partnerships in transforming our Nation,” he said.
“On this historic State visit, we look forward to deepening further the cordial relations and collaboration between Kenya and the USA for the benefit of the people of the two Nations.”
Ruto and Gachagua have not shared a podium since May 3, sparking debate about their relationship.
Additionally, there were questions on the media regarding the whereabouts of the DP between 13th and 17th May when he stayed completely out of the media.
During this period, Gachagua missed 11 state functions his office gave no details of his about his absence.
Gachagua Breaks Silence
Speaking on May 19, Gachagua responded to the claims stating that he is more focused on development and service delivery.
The DP explained that his politics has been more about service delivery and not empty talks.
“There are a lot of things that have been said regarding politics, but I will say nothing. Reason being, Rigathi Gachagua, deputy president, is a man of few words. If you have followed my politics for the last ten months, I talk less and do more,” Gachagua said.
Besides, Gachagua asked politicians to stop premature campaigns and allow the elected leaders to serve the people.
He emphasized that the people would elect leaders based on their development agenda and projects in the next election.
“For now, let us bring down political temperatures and let those who have an opportunity to serve be allowed to serve the people. The public will have an opportunity to interrogate your work and decide whether to renew your contract or terminate it,” he said.
Also Read: Gachagua Breaks Silence After Claims of Fallout with Ruto
Governor Kahiga Defends DP
A section of Mt Kenya leaders led by Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga defended Gachagua stating that they will not tolerate any form of disrespect to the DP.
Kahiga explained that the Mt Kenya leaders will not allow Gachagua to undergo the frustrations Ruto experienced in Jubilee’s second term.
“We will not allow our son to go through that; he was not given this seat by anybody; he fought for it. Our votes are what made him the DP; he is not in the position by default,” Kahiga said.
“Any form of insult to Gachagua is an insult to the Mt Kenya region. Those who are trying to bring bad blood between Ruto and Gachagua, be warned.”
State House Clarification
This came a few hours after State House spokesperson Hussein Mohamed clarified that the relationship between the two leaders is intact.
During a press briefing on Ruto’s US trip, Mohamed said the two leaders are working in harmony clarifying that there are no issues.
“Now that you asked about the President and the deputy president, to my knowledge, there is no issue. The DP’s Office is an office with all the capabilities and competencies, “Mohamed said.
US State Visit
President Ruto departed the country on Sunday, May 19 evening on a state visit to the US set to run from May 20th to May 24th, 2024.
Ruto’s visit will officially commence in Atlanta, Georgia on Monday, May 20.
He will visit the Carter Presidential Library and Museum to emphasize Kenya’s shared commitment to governance, democratic values, and anti-corruption efforts.
The president will commence his second day at Spelman College where he will discuss the critical role of higher education particularly science and technology in enhancing Kenya’s human capital development.
Ruto will then shift attention to trade and investment with a visit to Coca-Cola, where new investment partnerships will be announced.
Also Read: State House Clarifies Ruto-Gachagua Relationship Amid Fallout Reports
In addition, the President will travel to Washington, D.C., on the morning of Wednesday, May 22, arriving at Andrews Airforce Base, where they will be officially received with full ceremonial state honours.
He will have extensive engagements at the Hill, where he will meet a bipartisan congressional delegation under the chairmanship of the Speaker of the House, meet with the Black Congressional Caucus and hold discussions with a Bipartisan Caucus of the Senate led by Senator Schumer (Majority) and Senator McConnel (Minority).
On May 23, President Ruto will hold the main bilateral meetings with his host President Joe Biden.
They will delve deeper into Kenya-US economic, health, and security partnership, and discuss regional developments on the continent highlighting the fragilities and opportunities on the continent.
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