President William Ruto has travelled out of the country for the first time since slowing down on his foreign trips due to the financial challenges caused by the withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2024.
Statehouse spokesperson in a statement said the head of state is out of the country following an invitation to attend the inauguration ceremony of Paul Kagame as Rwanda’s President.
“President William Ruto travels to Kigali, Rwanda, today at the invitation of H.E. Paul Kagame to attend the inauguration ceremony of President Kagame for his fourth term, following the successful July 15th election,” stated Hussein.
President Paul Kagame will be sworn in for his fourth term on Sunday, August 11, in a ceremony expected to be a grand celebration of his leadership.
Several Heads of State and government are expected to attend the inauguration of Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame, following his overwhelming 99 percent victory in the July 15 elections.
Confirmed attendees include the Presidents of Kenya, William Ruto and Tanzania, Samia Suluhu.
Also Read: Ruto Celebrates Kagame’s Win After 99% Re-election Victory
The inauguration ceremony will feature a grand military parade, showcasing Rwanda’s disciplined and well-trained forces.
In addition to the military display, traditional dance performances will take center stage to celebrate the country’s rich cultural heritage, adding a vibrant and festive atmosphere to the event.
Paul Kagame Wins Elections
President Paul Kagame was re-elected for a fourth term as president during the general elections held in Rwanda on July 15.
The 66-year-old, who vied under the ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) ticket, secured his fourth term after overwhelmingly defeating his two challengers, Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda and independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana.
The electoral commission declared him the winner after he garnered 99.15 per cent of the votes cast by over 9 million Rwandans registered voters.
Kagame’s re-election marks 24 years as president of the nation since his first election in 2000.
Following President Ruto’s congratulatory message after his win, Kagame responded and thanked the Africa nations that congratulated him.
“My sincere gratitude for the messages of congratulations and support from the friendly leaders of countries around the world, notably Barbados, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Cuba, Djibouti, Egypt, Ethiopia, Guinea-Bisseau, Guinea.”
“Kazakhstan, Kenya, Liberia, Madagascar, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Oman, Qatar, Senegal, Seychelles, Somalia, South Sudan, Switzeland, Tanzania, Turkiye, Uganda, Venezuela, Zambia…We look forward to continuing the mutually beneficial ties for and between our people,” he said.
Also Read: Kagame Fires Minister Days After Election Win
Ruto Halts Foreign Trips
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Dr Korir Sing’Oei on July 22 hinted that President William Ruto would slow down on his foreign trips which had sparked widespread condemnation from Kenyans.
At the time of the statement, Ruto had visited more than 36 foreign countries since taking office to the presidency after his victory in the 2022 General Election.
Dr. Korir, while speaking in a media interview on July 21, 2024, however said that moving forward, the government would be considering only critical foreign events that must be attended by the Head of State.
According to the PS, this is because of the austerity measures announced by the government due to the financial constraints that were occasioned by the withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2024.
“We will consider very seriously which events are truly critical and must be attended by the President because that has an additional cost. Perhaps we won’t see the President flying out of the country frequently.
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