Ruto’s US Trip: List of Top Leaders Accompanying the President

On Monday evening, President William Ruto touched down in Atlanta as his State Visit to the US at the invite of President Joe Biden officially kicked off. 

Immediately after touching down, the Head of State visited the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum, in Atlanta where he gave a speech and proceeded to Dr Martin Luther King Center for Nonviolent Social Change in the same city.

He later held discussions at the Centers for Disease Control before addressing Kenyans at the Cobb Galleria Center.

Whereas it was public knowledge that the Head of State would be accompanied on the historic tour with 30 delegates, the identity of the individuals remained under wraps.

When he arrived in Atlanta, it was evident that Ruto was flanked by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Health CS Susan Nakhumicha who he praised for handling the Health docket well. Foreign PS Roseline Njogu was also in attendance.

Defence CS Aden Duale and Trade’s Rebecca Miano were also part of the team alongside Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru who is part of the Kenya Kwanza leaders.

Other governors on the trip were Wavinya Ndeti of Machakos and Gladys Wanga of Homa Bay, who is a member of the opposition coalition, Azimio la Umoja.

Digital Strategist Dennis Itumbi was also part of the team that boarded the jet alongside National Security Advisor Monica Juma, Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah.

Ruto was also accompanied by his wife, the First Lady Rachel Ruto.

From the private sector, there were; Safaricom Chief Executive Officer Peter Ndegwa, Wandia Gichuru, the founder of Vivo Fashion Group, and Chebet Mutai of Wazawazi.

Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) Chief Executive Officer and Director-General Elijah Songok was also present.

The tour will run from Monday to Friday with discussions expected to include trade ties, security, debt relief, and job opportunities among others.

“I welcome President Ruto’s engagements in Atlanta, I thank the City of Atlanta for their hospitality, and look forward to seeing the Kenyan President at the May 23 State Dinner,” US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said.