William Ruto Shocks Kenyans by Bringing Raila Along on China Trip, Shows Off Casual Style
In a surprising turn of events, President William Ruto’s visit to China on Monday, September 2, 2024, has sparked widespread reactions across Kenya.
The visit, which was part of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit, became the talk of the nation, not just because of its diplomatic significance but also due to the unexpected inclusion of a prominent figure in his entourage—Raila Odinga.
As the President and his team landed in Beijing, photos shared on Ruto’s X (formerly Twitter) account showcased the group walking down a red carpet, exuding a blend of officialdom and casual flair.
The president, known for his sharp suits and formal demeanor, opted for an uncharacteristically relaxed outfit this time. He wore a simple sweatshirt paired with dark trousers and sneakers, an ensemble that immediately caught the public’s eye. First Lady Rachel Ruto complemented the President’s look with casual black slacks, a loose-fitting jacket, and a black top, maintaining a simple yet elegant appearance.
However, it was the presence of Raila Odinga, the long-time opposition leader and now Kenya’s candidate for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson, that truly sent shockwaves through the Kenyan populace. Raila, known for his iconic fashion choices, did not disappoint as he donned his signature fedora hat and a dark Kaunda suit, a style that has become synonymous with his political persona.
The sight of Raila accompanying Ruto raised numerous eyebrows, with many Kenyans expressing their surprise and confusion online. The relationship between Ruto and Raila has been marked by years of political rivalry, making this joint appearance in China a significant and unexpected development. Speculation about their collaboration has been rife since Raila was endorsed as the AUC chairperson candidate, but few anticipated seeing the two statesmen on a foreign diplomatic mission together.
“Over the years, China has proven to be a true development partner, significantly revamping our infrastructure. We look forward to leveraging these ties to accelerate our transformation,” Ruto wrote in a caption accompanying the images, emphasizing the strategic importance of the trip. Despite this, much of the public discourse focused on the unusual alliance between Ruto and Raila, with many wondering what this could mean for Kenya’s political future.
Arrived in Beijing for the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit. The meeting presents an opportunity for Africa to renew and strengthen its partnership with China.
— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) September 2, 2024
Over the years, China has proven to be a true development partner, significantly revamping our infrastructure.… pic.twitter.com/e7yfbsgvC1
The fashion choices of the trio also garnered significant attention. Ruto’s casual attire was a marked departure from his usual formal suits, leading to widespread discussion about his evolving public image. Rachel Ruto’s understated yet stylish look further added to the narrative, portraying a First Family in tune with contemporary fashion while remaining accessible and relatable.
Public reactions on social media were swift and varied. A user by the name of @omwambaKE captured the mood of many when he tweeted, “Is that Raila Odinga, or am I seeing my things?” expressing disbelief at the unlikely partnership. Another user, @fredrickmaina95, cynically remarked, “You have taken the begging bowl to China,” alluding to Kenya’s ongoing economic challenges. Meanwhile, @jakesgyal took a more critical tone, labeling Raila as “The traitor” for his association with Ruto, reflecting the deep political divisions that still exist within the country.
Notably, some observers pointed out Ruto’s choice to fly to China on a Kenya Airways plane, a move seen as a nod to patriotism and fiscal responsibility. This was in stark contrast to his previous trip to the United States, where he had opted for a private jet, a decision that had drawn criticism. “Nice. I see this time round, you did not hire a private jet,” commented @kijanaGachagua, while @omondirana praised the President, saying, “Good job for promoting the national airline.”
As the trip unfolds, Kenyans remain glued to their screens, eager to see what this unexpected partnership between Ruto and Raila will yield. Whether this marks a new chapter in Kenya’s political landscape or is merely a temporary alliance for strategic purposes remains to be seen. For now, however, the images of Ruto, Raila, and Rachel Ruto walking together in Beijing will continue to fuel speculation and debate.
In Other News: HELB Launches Loan Repayment Via USSD For Non-Smartphone Users: Procedure
William Ruto Shocks Kenyans by Bringing Raila Along on China Trip, Shows Off Casual Style
