President William Ruto returned from the United Arab Emirates where he attended the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) Summit.
Ruto sought to boost Kenya’s global image, focusing on sustainability, energy transitions, and economic partnerships.
In Abu Dhabi, Ruto was a key speaker at the ADSW summit. He highlighted Kenya’s leadership in renewable energy, especially geothermal power.
“Kenya generates more than 90 percent of its energy from renewable sources – making it one of the world’s top clean power producers,” said Ruto.
His speech showcased Kenya’s readiness for global green growth partnerships. The visit ended with the signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the UAE.
This deal aims to remove trade barriers and boost economic cooperation, aiding Kenya’s economic recovery post-protests and amid global economic changes.
“The CEPA will also provide the UAE with investment opportunities in the energy, water, agriculture, health, airports, logistics, and ICT sectors. This aligns with the government’s policy of reducing borrowing while enhancing foreign direct investment and public-private partnerships,” President Ruto explained.
Also Read: Kenya-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement
Ruto Faces Cabinet fallout
Upon returning, Ruto faced the reality of Kenyan politics. His Cabinet is under scrutiny, mainly due to Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi‘s accusations against the National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director General Noordin Haji.
Muturi claimed NIS was responsible for abducting his son Leslie, during the Gen Z-led protests in June and July of 2024.
The former Attorney General’s remarks painted Ruto in bad light, signaling a possible fallout between the head of state and the CS.
Also Read: Kalonzo Reveals Abduction Squad Headquarters in Ruaraka
Following Muturi’s stance, Oscar Sudi, an ally of Ruto, criticized the CS’ actions as desperate, further compounding the simmering internal conflicts within the Kenya Kwanza administration.
“He should resign and let other qualified professionals from Embu take over his position because there are so many of them,” Sudi said.
I won’t resign – Muturi
Sudi’s remarks were echoed by Aldai lawmaker Marianne Kitany who asked the CS to either resign or face impeachment.
“While you were the Attorney General why didn’t you go to the Cabinet and ask about your son and all Kenyan children? If you a member of the Cabinet cannot say it before the President, what do you want an ordinary Kenyan to do? That is disrespecting our President and the Cabinet,” she said.
However, Muturi laughed off, dismissing the critics as political juveniles seeking attention.
“I will just say bring it on. At my age, I’m not the kind of person to respond to some perfunctory statements made by fairly inexperienced politicians. I think they’re not worthy my response. So, if anybody thinks that I don’t know what I was doing, they’re up for a rude shock,” he said.
Other Challenges
Ruto is also confronting a myriad of challenges including the Social Healthcare Authority SHA, which remains a thorn in the flesh of Kenyans.
While the President has remained adamant about SHA, the program run into headwinds before it took off.
Health CS Dr. Deborah Barasa is on the spot, after patients at Kenyatta National Hospital – KNH stormed her press briefing on January 15, to raise their grievances.
Barasa replaced Susan Nakhumicha who was sacked when Ruto dissolved his Cabinet in July 2024.
At the same time, Kenya has made international headlines over rampant abductions of locals and foreigners.
Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye was abducted in Nairobi before authorities drove him to Kampala where he was dumped in a prison.
Weeks later, unknown armed men abducted Maria Sarungi Tsehai, a human rights defender and a fierce critic of President Samia Suluhu.
Looming Reshuffle?
Ruto reshuffled his cabinet in December 2024, barely months after reconstituting it – he has been in power for slightly more than two years.
Following the shake-up, Ruto, who has a PhD, picked former allies of his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta to pacify the Mt Kenya which became hostile after he orchestrated the ouster of Rigathi Gachagua as Deputy President.
The new entrants are Mutahi Kagwe who will oversee Agriculture, William Kabogo – ICT and Lee Kinyanjui – Trade.
With 2027 fast approaching, Ruto is at the crossroads. He is obsessed with his re-election bid while at the same time, little can be seen in terms of achievements since being sworn in.
According to an Infotrak Survey released in December 2024, only one percent of Kenyans fully trusts President Ruto.
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