President Joe Biden has extended an invitation to President William Ruto of Kenya for a state visit on May 23 to reinforce the partnership between Kenya and the U.S. A formal request for President Ruto to address Congress during his visit was submitted to the Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Mike Johnson.
This invitation has ignited discussions online, with varied reactions from netizens. Some celebrate it as a recognition of Ruto’s leadership on a global stage, while others question the significance of the event.
Members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Gregory Meeks and Michael McCaul, penned a letter on Tuesday, April 30, urging Speaker Johnson to allow Ruto to speak before a joint session of Congress. The letter emphasized the importance of Ruto’s visit in strengthening the diplomatic ties between the two nations.
The news of the invitation has stirred a mix of opinions online. Some individuals, like Amwoga Khalwale, express skepticism about the importance of addressing the U.S. Congress, describing the excitement as excessive. Omondi Jangayi criticized the request as unnecessary, hoping that it would be declined so Congress could focus on more pressing matters. Others, like SK_Aracha, see it as a potential milestone, while Sultan Suddy recognized the international acknowledgment it represents.
Githeri Man optimistically noted that Kenya could set a significant regional precedent if Ruto effectively navigates his international relations, likening Kenya’s potential to become the ‘Japan’ of Africa.
The White House announced this planned meeting in a press release on February 16, stating that the encounter between Biden and Ruto aims to celebrate the long-standing relationship between the two countries and promote their mutual interests in peace, security, economic growth, and the support of democratic values.