A number of Kenyans in the social media have raised concerns with regards to deputy president William Ruto’s much hyped United States of America (USA) tour.
Since Ruto left the country for the USA, his close allies have been giving false updates about the second in command, leaving Kenyans asking whether the USA visit by Ruto had the blessings of the Kenyan government.
From one Benjamin Magufuli to Dennis Itumbi who are both Ruto’s inner bloggers, they in separate occasions posted lies which Kenyans were quick to notice and call them out for.
For instance, Benjamin Magufuli on Tuesday shared photos and claimed that the second in command was given a heroic welcome in the United states. This is what Rutoâs inner blogger Mr. Magufuli wrote: “DP William Samoei Ruto accorded special honor in United States of America. The 5th.”
However, it emerged that the pictures posted by Ruto’s blogger were taken when president Uhuru Kenyatta visited the USA during president Donald Trump’s administration.”
Kenyans familiar with the said photos had the following to say:
“Maryland to Nebraska is 21 hoursâĤ. Picha za uhunye akienda DC ndio unafloss nayo? Ambia serikali ikupee kazi.”
“Seemingly UDA blogger are all desperate,,,these photos were taken back in 2018,,,,”
“Hii PR ime backfire live, wheelbarrow movement it’s indeed hard for you guys but if just incase Ruto traveled for official duty assigned by Uhuru,angepata hiyo reception,he ought to have done these during his good time with the president at least he’d have made connections instead he chose to campaign against his boss,sai hata Hana connection.”
“So Rutoâs government shall be run with lies and propaganda…… These photos were taken during President Kenyatta’s USA trip.”
“Only fools would support this narrative…photos taken from a different location. Either way Ruto is the deputy president of Kenya and his office can give him such treatment, nothing out of the ordinary.”
“You are really desperate. Trying to cling on to anything that consoles you! Fact check: Those pictures were taken when President Uhuru Kenyatta visited the USA during Trump’s administration.”
“I can see you had a meet in the store where buckets are kept,that is how future opposition leaders are treated in US??.”
“The convoy received the president when he last visited the USA.As a Deputy President of Kenya, William Ruto was supposed to be received, by the least, Vice President Kamala Harris..”
“As the representative of the FBI (Facebook bureau investigation) I have zoomed pictures of all the cars and I can’t see any face inside there representing the 5th opposition leader of kenya.”
“I wonder what those paint buckets are doing in a room where a whole deputy president of Kenya is holding a meeting with other US leaders. These people must respect our hustler commander and host him in places with red carpets.”
At the same time, Ruto’s chief blogger Dennis Itumbi had one day earlier claimed that the deputy president was to give a speech at an event that was dubbed: “Foundation of Global Health “Bottom-Up Approach to Healthcare Delivery for Kenya” . The event was to happen on Monday 28th 6PM Kenyan time.
However, the function was mysteriously canceled without any explanations, making Kenyans wonder if Ruto’s visit was official or whether he was just gambling. At least for debate purposes, no one would just cancel such an event, especially one where a high profiled individual in the stature of a deputy president is to give lectures. Would such an event be canceled if it was well organized by the US government officials? A food for thought!
While canceling the event, this is what was written: “I apologize for the late coorrespondence. We are scheduling the event for Friday March 4, 2022 at 12pm CST. We look forward to you being able to join us at this new time.” (And btw the word correspondence was misspelled, further raising concerns whether this function was organized by serious people or just jokers).Â
Being the deputy president of the republic of Kenya, William Ruto ought to have been received by US Vice president Kamala Harris or high level government officials at the minimum.
This brings us to the question, Is William Ruto using all the avenues possible to force an international image on him? Has he just realized how important it is for a head of state (if he becomes) to have a good diplomatic relationship with other nations?
Well, his visit comes just a few days after the deputy president landed in big trouble with a neighboring country following his careless and non factual public remarks.
While speaking in one of the political gatherings, William Ruto claimed that the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was as poor as a church mouse that they didn’t even own a single cow.
According to Ruto, DRC only has millions of people who sing Lingala songs with nothing good to show for it.
“Na tuko na soko kwanzia hapa DRC hao watu wako na 90 million people hawana ata ng’ombe moja hi DRC hi watu ya kuimba hi kina kanda bongo man nani nani.” Said Ruto.
However, these sentiments did not go well with one Amb. Francine Muyumba Nkanga. According to Nkanga, Ruto’s remarks were not only unacceptable but also demeaning to their country. As a result, she called upon the deputy president to withdraw those sentiments and follow the same with a written apology.
“Mr. Vice President @WilliamsRuto, this is really unacceptable, with all due respect there is a need to withdraw this statement. If #DRC did not have a single cow how could #KENYA signe economic deals with #DRC, @EquityBCDC is currently making money in Congo, this an insult.” Said the Ambassador in a tweet.
“We are friends to #KENYA, A candidate running for the highest office of the Country @WilliamsRuto need to be diplomatically conscience as KENYA need to strength economic ties in the region for Kenyaâs internal Economic growth. Kenya Airways is now flying in some of our big cities.” She continued.
These sentiments were very careless and would likely affect William Ruto’s quest for the presidency since they can make the other African countries view him as someone who cannot maintain diplomatic relationships if elected as the head of state.Â
Thus, William Ruto may just be on his way to repair the damaged image by paying visits to foreign countries like the USA even though it is not official given the kinds of people receiving him. He is set to be out of the country for 10 days.
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