US dispatches delegation to Kenya for Ruto's inauguration

WASHINGTON, USA - US President Joe Biden has dispatched a high-level delegation to the inauguration of President-elect William Ruto in Kenya scheduled for Tuesday, a sign of intended close cooperation between Washington and Nairobi, the key traditional allies for decades.

Ruto, who has been serving as President Uhuru Kenyatta's deputy for the last ten years, was elected as president, beating his close rival Raila Odinga. Dr. Ruto has been in politics since 1997 and at one time, served as minister having been proposed by Raila Odinga, then the Prime Minister.

A statement released by the White House indicated that Honorable Katherine Tai, United States Trade Representative, will lead the delegation. The delegation is set to arrive in Kenya later on today and will be received by senior government officials.

Others in the delegation are the Honorable Meg Whitman, United States Ambassador to the Republic of Kenya, and The Honorable Colin Allred, United States Representative (D), Texas, who has been a major contributor to US-Africa relations.

In addition, the Honorable Mary Catherine Phee, Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of African Affairs, U.S. Department of State will also be present along with Dr. Monde Muyangwa, Assistant Administrator for the Bureau for Africa, U.S. Agency for International Development.

The United States is a major security and financial partner of Kenya, a relationship spanning decades. The US has been closely working with Kenya to counter the Al-Shabaab militants who control huge swathes of rural central and southern Somalia and have been launching attacks in the country.

Ruto's team announced that the event, which will bring about a seamless transition in the country for over decades, will be graced by over 20 heads of state and governments. Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has also confirmed that he will be attending.

For decades, Kenya has been a practical example of democratic dispensationalism, with sitting presidents handing over to people elected in a peaceful process. William Ruto will be the fifth president of the country and has already pledged to work closely with Somalia.

GAROWE ONLINE