- President Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto embarked on a state visit to strengthen Kenya-South Africa ties
- The visit focused on enhancing trade, investment, and regional collaboration through six newly signed agreements
- Both leaders reaffirmed commitment to Africa’s progress and shared opportunities during a ceremonial welcome
- A section of Kenyans chided the president for not holding his wife’s hand, asking him to mimic Ramaphosa’s romantic nature
President William Ruto and his wife, First Lady Rachel Ruto, travelled to South Africa for a two-day official state visit.
Source: Facebook
The visit is aimed at strengthening political, diplomatic, and economic ties between Kenya and South Africa.
Ruto’s visit to South Africa
Key focus areas of the trips include enhancing bilateral business partnerships and expanding trade and investment opportunities across both economies.
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Strengthening collaboration on regional integration, peace, and broader continental development priorities through the African Union framework.
On arrival in South Africa, the head of state noted that Kenya and South Africa have had close ties for more than 30 years.
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“Mama Rachel Ruto and I arrived in Pretoria for a two-day state visit to South Africa. Kenya and South Africa have had close ties for more than 30 years. That bond has grown into a strategic partnership anchored on trade and investment, pharmaceuticals and vaccine development and a shared belief in Africa’s massive potential.”
Ruto added that South Africa’s thriving economy, particularly in the manufacturing sector, was a strong pointer to Africa’s industrial potential.
“South Africa’s thriving economy, particularly the manufacturing sector, is a strong pointer to Africa’s immense industrial potential. Our trade ties continue to flourish, highlighted by the many South African companies that have invested in Kenya, creating jobs and making an important contribution to our economic growth. We take pride in this robust partnership and are committed to consolidating these valuable gains as we explore more avenues to advance our trade and people-to-people connections.”
He witnessed the signing of six trade agreements alongside Ramaphosa, noting that it was a clear indication of Kenya and South Africa’s deepening bilateral ties.
“With President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, witnessed the signing of six trade agreements between Kenya and South Africa at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, a clear testament to our commitment to deepening bilateral ties. The new agreements cover shipping and maritime, gender equality and empowerment, technical and vocational training, arts, culture and heritage, and sports and recreation.”
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Rachel shared photos of their meeting with Ramaphosa and his spouse, the First Lady of South Africa, Tshepo Motsepe.
The photos the first lady shared captured the attention of Kenyans, who noticed that Ramaphosa was holding his wife’s hands in most of the snaps.
Source: Facebook
Kenyans elicited mixed reactions, with some asking the president to showcase his romantic side like Ramaphosa.
Kenyans react to Ruto not holding wife’s hand
Here is what they had to say:
Mathew Matayo Mutai Mathew:
“Aki prezo utuaibishe tu mlisema hamuezi Kua romantic? Ata kumshika mkonoo?”
Mary Ndinda
“Si hata saa zingine prezo ajaribu kuwa romantic shika yeye mkono by force.”
Victor A. Wanjila
“Shika mwenzako mkono pia president William Samoei Ruto.”
Eric Burudi:
“Si hata wewe Rais Ruto shika mrembo wako mkono.”
Juliet Yegon:
“Our mama kangara sana… lakini daddy si ushike mama mkono pia.”
Did Ruto and Rachel lose their firstborn son?
In other news, the president revealed that he and the first lady lost their firstborn son.
The president’s revelation was a shock to Kenyans who sympathised with the first family.
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Rachel and Ruto are blessed with eight children whom they love and adore.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
