President William Ruto is making an important diplomatic trip to Kigali, Rwanda, where he will attend the inauguration of President Paul Kagame. Kagame has won a fourth term in office, and this event marks Ruto’s first journey in over two months. During that period, he faced growing unrest and protests in Kenya.
The inauguration will be held at Amahoro Stadium, which is expected to draw more than 40,000 attendees, including 23 African heads of state. Hussein Mohamed, Ruto’s spokesperson, confirmed that Ruto made the trip at Kagame’s invitation. Notably, he highlighted the strong relationship between Kenya and Rwanda, which has flourished under Kagame’s leadership. Consequently, this relationship has been beneficial for both nations and the larger East African region.
Kagame’s electoral victory is particularly noteworthy. He secured 99.18% of the votes, setting a new record. Although his closest rival, Frank Habineza, received just 44,479 votes, and independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana only managed 28,466 votes, Kagame’s government has faced criticism for stifling opposition. For instance, several key opposition figures were barred from participating in the election.
Ruto’s presence at the inauguration further highlights the importance of regional cooperation in East Africa. The ceremony will feature a military parade and cultural performances, showcasing Rwanda’s rich heritage and disciplined forces. Additionally, several notable African leaders will attend, including:
- President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe
- President Salva Kiir of South Sudan
- President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau
- President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana
- President Faustin-Archange Touadéra of Central African Republic
- President Faure Gnassingbé of Togo
This trip is especially crucial for Ruto. He has been dealing with a domestic crisis, marked by protests against his administration. The unrest started in June and has consequently limited Ruto’s international activities. His last trip abroad was in mid-June when he attended the G7 summit in Italy and a peace summit in Switzerland.
As Ruto looks to regain his international standing, this visit to Rwanda could be a turning point. It reaffirms Kenya’s commitment to regional partnerships and cooperation. Moreover, the strong ties between Ruto and Kagame may lead to more collaboration on trade, security, and cultural exchange.