Now in charge of Kenya: Speaker Moses Wetangula

 

National Assembly speaker Moses Wetangula is currently in charge of the country.

The Kenyan political landscape has temporarily shifted its leadership to National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula as both President William Ruto and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua embarked on official overseas duties, in accordance with the country’s constitutional protocol.

Under Kenyan law, when both the President and Deputy President are out of the country, the highest-ranking office is that of the Speaker of the National Assembly.

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Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Attorney General Justin Muturi are also abroad, contributing to the unique situation. They are in London, United Kingdom, representing Kenya on official matters.

State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohammed shared that President Ruto is currently attending the 78th session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, held in New York. The President’s departure took place on the night of Wednesday, September 13, 2023.

“President Ruto will visit Silicon Valley in San Francisco, where he will also meet with tech leaders of Microsoft, Intel, Google and Apple amongst others,” the statement read in part.

“The visit aims to enhance investment opportunities and trade relations with the US, with a particular focus on nurturing Kenya’s thriving start-up sector known as the Silicon Savannah,” the statement further read.

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The President will also play a significant role in the UN Secretary-General Climate Ambition Summit, where he is expected to address climate-related issues.

President Ruto was bid farewell at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport by several high-ranking officials, including members of his Cabinet.

Notable attendees included Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipuchumba Murkomen, and Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale.

National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah and Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruyiot were also present, alongside Chief of Defence Forces Francis Ogolla and Kenya Airports Authority Board Chairperson Caleb Kositany.

Meanwhile, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is representing Kenya at the Global Coffee Producers and Roasters Forum in Bogota, Colombia.

Following the forum, he will travel to Cuba for the G77 Summit. His trip was prompted by the need to explore new markets for coffee produced in Kenya, and he departed the country earlier in the week.   BY NAIROBI NEWS