No Rest! Ruto's week of activities after bagging international deals in US trip
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After his 10-day visit to the United States, President William Ruto quietly jetted back into the country last Sunday.
One might have expected the President to take a break after his trip where he had attended the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, and visiting Silicon Valley in New York but he didn't.
Ruto made several deals ranging from bilateral agreements to corporate partnerships.
Monday
On Monday, the Head of State presided over the official swearing-in ceremony of the new Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Mulele Ingonga at State House, Nairobi.
He urged the new DPP not to be used to settle political scores.
"You are aware in the past that some anti-corruption cases were concocted to settle scores that had nothing to do with corruption," Ruto said.
"Kenyans hope and I hope that under your tenure the war on corruption will not be used to settle political scores," he added.
Afterward, the President flagged off the distribution of 100,000 kits to be used by community health promoters at Uhuru Park, Nairobi.
Ruto later met US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III at the State House and discussed the strong US-Kenya bilateral defense relationship and a range of topics, including regional security and our shared interest in combating terrorism.
Tuesday
On Tuesday, President Ruto did not have many activities but he toured the Mukuru Met Social Housing Project in the evening.
He inspected the progress of the 14,000 house units.
The President noted that 70,000 units are at advanced stages of construction across the country.
Image: PCS
Wednesday
Ruto on Wednesday officially opened the Nairobi Trade Fair, which saw over 300 local and international exhibitors showcase their innovations.
The President noted that agriculture has stagnated hence the high cost of living and high levels of poverty.
"Consequently, our food production more often than not falls far below demand, and the importation of food increases our trade deficit and increases food prices. Given that food constitutes 54 per cent of household expenditure, agricultural productivity is a high priority," Ruto said.
Ruto was also a proud President after Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania won the chance to jointly host the Africa Cup of Nations 2027.
The announcement was made during a Caf executive meeting at the headquarters in Cairo, Egypt, chaired by President Patrice Motsepe on Wednesday.
"Many people did not believe that we had a chance of hosting the AFCON 2027 because of the state of our football and the state of our sports in general but I am very proud today that Kenya together with our partners in Kenya and Uganda have won this chance," he said.
Thursday
It wasn't a busy day for Ruto, as the event he was hosting at State House, Nairobi, was to bid farewell to the outgoing Serbian Ambassador, Dragan Zupanjevac, as reported by the press."
Zupanjevac had served as the Ambassador to seven countries in East Africa, the United Nations Environment Programme and UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Programme).
While bidding him farewell, the head of state said Kenya values its trade and investment relations with Serbia.
"We are keen on growing our ties, particularly in agriculture, pharmaceutical technology and ICT to stimulate business to empower the citizens of both nations," Ruto said.
Image: PCS
Friday
On Friday, the President who also doubles up as UDA party leader presided over the National Governing Council meeting at the Bomas of Kenya.
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) announced that it will hold its national elections on December 9, 2023.
Speaking during the party's NGC meeting, Ruto termed the elections as key in strengthening the party while promising transparency during the exercise.
"As we are at the moment, none of us was elected to our party positions. This includes myself as the UDA Party leader. Not even my Deputy Gachagua or Secretary-General, Cleopas Malala. We must hold the elections as soon as possible,” said Ruto.
“Kikiumana kiumane huko mbele.”
The President also asked other affiliate political parties to fold and join UDA to strengthen the Party as it gears up to fully implement its manifesto.
He however stated that no political party should be forced to do so, calling out leaders ‘forcing’ others to join UDA.
On Saturday, Ruto went back to Kiambu county where he warned leaders against constant infighting derailing the county development agenda.
Speaking during the launch of Thika–Magumu Road, Ruto asserted that he is well aware of what is happening in Kiambu, having been briefed.
He warned the leaders who are disagreeing to reach common ground before he returns to the area by December to inspect his projects.
"Hapa Kiambu nimesikia kuko na vita vya siasa, lazima tutajenga manyumba hapa, soko tutajenga, tuweke maji na lazima tufanyie wananchi kazi na hakuna mtu yoyote atazuia maendeleo Kiambu apende asipende," Ruto said.
This loosely translates to: Here in Kiambu, there is political turmoil, but we must build houses, construct markets, provide water, and work for the people's benefit, and no one will obstruct Kiambu's development, whether they like it or not. BY THE STAR
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