Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki was among top government officials who saw off President William Ruto as he departed to New York in the United States to participate in the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
Kindiki was accompanied by top security officials, including the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Charles Kahariri, newly appointed Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, Deputy IG Gilbert Masengeli, and Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo.
In the photos shared by Kindiki on Saturday, September 21, 2024, United Democratic Alliance (UDA) chairperson Cecily Mbarire and Secretary-General Hassan Omar were also present at the airport to see the president off for his New York trip.
Ruto, on the other hand, was accompanied by First Lady Rachel Ruto for the trip.
In a statement on Friday, September 20, 2024, State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohammed announced that the event is one of the most significant global forums that brings together world leaders to address critical international issues, with a particular emphasis on sustainable development, global governance, and climate action.
Mohamed added that Ruto will advocate comprehensive and accelerated reforms of multilateral institutions, including the United Nations, to ensure they remain relevant to current urgent challenges.
“At the ‘Summit of the Future’ forum organised by the UN, he will call for a thorough review of the multilateral system, highlighting its inability to effectively address interrelated crises such as climate change, the debt burden, complex conflicts, and the erosion of democratic governance,” the statement read in part.
“His advocacy will focus on ensuring that the proposed ‘Pact for the Future’ promotes a democratic, transparent, equitable, and responsive global order that addresses the specific needs of Kenya, Africa, and other developing nations,” it added.
Gachagua on the trip
Speaking to a local TV station on Friday night, September 20, 2024, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua admitted that he was not aware of the time Ruto was departing for his US trip.
Gachagua further revealed that he had not talked to his boss for the entire day.
“I am told he’s leaving the country, but I’m not aware of the time, so I’ve not been informed as of this evening… I’ve not talked to him today (Friday). He’ll talk to me in his own time. As for the time he’s leaving, I am not aware. I’ve not talked to him today. No, he’s not communicated to me officially,” the DP said.
This came even as he revealed that he had been removed from the WhatsApp group, which coordinates his schedule with the president’s engagements.
Gachagua attributed the move to him missing some key events attended by Ruto.
