Washington completes the Disneyfication of William Ruto
In a tradition that changes cast but not much of the script, the US has named its new man in Africa.
Kiri Rupiah
With parts of his country still reeling from deadly flooding, Kenya’s President William Ruto is on an official state visit to the US – the first by an African leader in 16 years. It coincides with the arrival of 1,000 Kenyan cops in Haiti, for a US-backed security mission against the armed gangs running much of the country.
For US President Joe Biden, this is an opportunity to refocus on Africa at a time when rivals China and Russia are gaining influence. For Ruto, it’s a big payday from the other constituency he has courted since coming into power: the global stage.
The “historic visit” was only briefly overshadowed by Ruto’s domestic perception as a leader who preaches “we have to live within our means” but lives with little regard to said means. Kenyans lashed out at news his team hired a private jet for an estimated $1.5-million to take an entourage of more than 30 people, including a popular comedian, and his own kids, for the four-day trip to the US.
Save for being stood up by actor Tyler Perry, Ruto likely considered the trip a success. The US designated Kenya as a major non-NATO ally, making it the first “sub-Saharan” African country to receive the designation. On Friday, Kenya, Microsoft and UAE firm G24 signed a letter of intent for a $1-billion investment package. And, with the approval of Congress, Kenya will become the first African country to receive funding under the US’ Chips and Science Act.
And Ruto, who was once indicted by the International Criminal Court, is now a darling of the West – its go-to on security and climate finance in East Africa.