Nairobi News

Kenyans online have reacted to President William Ruto’s latest trip abroad with hilarious comments.

This is after State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohammed announced that the President was travelling to Germany and France for a two-day visit.

State House explained that during the trip the President would seek to strengthen Kenya’s economic and climate ties with the two countries and the European Union and also to advocate for strong global consensus on climate action ahead of COP 28.

Kenyan online, however, appeared unimpressed by the President’s latest mission abroad, which in their view have become “too many.”

Here are some of their views:

“It was a pleasure hosting this gentleman in Kenya. Travel safely as we look forward to hosting you again in the coming future,” wrote Mike Shiangala.

“He has overstayed. Bon voyage,” said Douglas Orang’i.

“It is not a must you tell us,” thought Henry Kabogo.

“Why can’t he propose to have a permanent residence in Europe? He can schedule to be attending church service in Kenya on Sundays and travel back to Europe in the evening to tackle climate change now that climate change to him is more urgent than the pain and suffering of Kenyans,” wrote Opiyo Denis.

“He should do away with ambassadors because since he has taken their jobs they’ve been receiving salaries that they’ve not worked for. He should in fact add the roles of ambassadors and minister for foreign affairs into his portfolio,” opined Nicholas Robert.

“In this day and age, you people can’t realize it’s cheap to make the calls? Can you quantify with evidence that can independently verify the benefits accrued to Kenya by the trips?” said Nick Maina.

Since he assumed office in September 2022, President Ruto has made 38 foreign trips, covering 45 cities across 38 nations spread over 83 days.

These foreign travels cost the Kenyan taxpayer more than Sh56 million in travel expenses for the first half of the financial year ending in June 2024.

Additionally, there was a request from the National Assembly’s Defence Committee in May for an extra allocation of Sh1.3 billion for the President’s global travels, supplementing the Sh700 million already allocated by the Treasury.

During the 40th anniversary thanksgiving celebrations and fundraising for the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Eldoret Diocese, President Ruto addressed the concerns raised about his numerous foreign trips. He acknowledged public concern over the trips but said they are an integral part of his presidential duties.

“Concerning my foreign travels, that is my work as President. I am the chief agent of Kenya, I am the ambassador of Kenya planning on how the country moves forward,” he said.

“As the chief agent and chief ambassador of our country, these foreign trips, that people are making noise about are crucial because we can look for opportunities for Kenyans. We are a great nation and going places. We shall do the right thing and Kenya shall prosper,” the Head of State explained.