President William Ruto is recognized both continentally and globally for his clear and assertive speeches, though some of his remarks have come back to challenge him.
In April 2023, Ruto voiced his opinion to Mo Ibrahim, criticizing summits held by individual nations in Europe and other regions, where African heads of state are invited, stating they lacked value.
He mentioned that during some of these gatherings, leaders were herded onto buses, a practice he found disrespectful.
Ruto said on May 2, 2023, “We’ve decided it’s unreasonable for all 54 of us to gather before a single individual from another nation.
Sometimes we are mistreated, and packed into buses like school children.
It’s wrong. Therefore, the AU has resolved that in future discussions between Africa and another country, the AU chairperson will represent us.”
By July 2023, two months after making this bold statement, Ruto skipped the Russia-Africa summit, seemingly standing by his position.
However, in January 2024, Ruto attended the Italy-Africa summit, which conflicted with his earlier stance and sparked criticism.
During the summit, Ruto justified his participation, explaining that it differed in structure and the nature of discussions.
“I previously remarked that an invitation from a single country to all 54 African states wasn’t in Africa’s best interest. But here, representing our fellow leaders, I find this conference different and refreshing due to your practical approach, Madam Prime Minister,” Ruto explained.
In September 2024, Ruto again contradicted his initial stance by attending the 9th Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit, hosted by Xi Jinping in China.
The event attracted African heads of state, Chinese officials, and the African Union Commission.
Photos of the leaders at the summit stirred online debate, with many recalling Ruto’s prior statements.
Ruto’s previous comments have returned to haunt him, as he now faces criticism for failing to keep his word.
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