Ruto's quiet week amid Gachagua impeachment drama

 

In complete contrast to his usual packed schedule, President William Ruto's diary for the week was notably subdued.

The unfolding events surrounding the impeachment of his deputy Rigathi Gachagua appear to have forced him to maintain a low profile.

The last time the two met was on September 16 during a meeting with National Government Administration Officers from Nairobi County, Kenya School of Government in Lower Kabete.

This was in preparation for the launch of the Climate Worx programme aimed at enhancing the country's efforts to restore our environmental ecosystem. 

Gachagua has already been impeached by the National Assembly with the matter now in the Senate 

Ruto last Sunday, joined worshippers at AIC Milimani church in Nairobi for a service.

The church is a few meters away from State House. He was accompanied by first lady mama Rachel.

Monday

At State House, Nairobi, he held discussions with a delegation from Qatar led by the Minister of Labour, Dr. Ali bin Samikh Al-Marri, accompanied by Qatar’s Ambassador to Kenya, Mohammed Mutair Al-Enazi.

Kenya and Qatar, he said, are strengthening their bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

"We are working to eliminate barriers to labour mobility to create job opportunities for skilled Kenyans in Qatar," he said.

Under a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) set to take effect in December 2024, Ruto said Kenyan workers will gain increased access to professional roles in sectors such as health, ICT, education, and hospitality, with equal pay and benefits comparable to those of their international counterparts.

"Additionally, we explored potential Qatari investments in Kenya, including support for the Affordable Housing Programme," he stated.

Wednesday 

He met NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum.

Also in attendance were five-time NBA champion Derek Fisher and US Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman.

According to Ruto, the National Basketball Association (NBA) of the United States will build 100 basketball courts in schools and communities across Kenya in the next decade in an effort to grow the sport.

In addition, the NBA is also establishing its commercial hub in Nairobi, a major boost for investment in our country, he said.

Friday 

He held a bilateral meeting with the visiting Haiti Prime Minister Garry Conille where they discussed practical measures to boost tourism and people-to-people relations between our two countries.

The duos later a joint media briefing.

Currently, Kenya has a total of 400 police officers in the country.

The visit by Conille was aimed at exploring ways of expediting the deployment of 600 additional officers.

Kenya and Haiti stand united in imploring the international community to rally behind the Multinational Security Support Mission, said the president.

"For a peaceful, stable and secure Haiti, our global partners must also accelerate their contribution to the personnel, logistics and finances to sustain and expand the mission," he noted.

Saturday 

He joined the military fraternity for the episcopal Installation of Rt. Rev. Wallace Ng'ang'a, Bishop of Military Ordinariate of Kenya.

The event was held at the Ulinzi Sports Complex, Lang’ata.

He was accompanied by principal secretaries Patrick Mariru (Defence), Raymond Omollo (Interior) and National Security Advisor Monica Juma among others.

Sunday

President Ruto attended a church service at the AIC Milimani, Nairobi. The joint service is meant to celebrate the 30th anniversary.

Ruto called for prayers and support as he implements transformative programmes in the country. Ruto acknowledged that there are a myriad of hurdles that stand in the way of undertaking some crucial government initiatives.

"Implementing some of the transformational changes to chance our nation requires prayers, requires commitment," he said.  

by FELIX KIPKEMOI