This archive report was first published on 15 September 2019.
Deputy President William Ruto's foreign travels have been severely curtailed in the past year, sparking concerns about his ability to network with international leaders and cultivate crucial contacts.
According to sources, Ruto has only made two foreign trips in the last 12 months, one to Congo Brazzaville and another to London, United Kingdom, which was cut short by State House.
As is the norm within government, any member of the Cabinet who wishes to travel out of the country must get a nod from State House. In September 2018, Ruto, accompanied by President Uhuru Kenyatta's younger brother Muhoho, went on an extensive tour of Congo Brazzaville.
However, Ruto's trip to the United Kingdom in February was cut short just before he could travel to Warwick University for a public lecture after State House informed him that President Kenyatta was to travel to Ethiopia the next day.
Travels to foreign capitals are essential for establishing crucial international contacts, especially for anyone nursing presidential ambitions. With his foreign movements curtailed, Ruto has not had a chance to cultivate such contacts with foreign leaders.
State House has cited the need for the President and his deputy to be in the country at the same time as the reason for limiting Ruto's foreign trips. However, this has raised concerns about Ruto's ability to represent the country on the international stage.
Denying that Ruto has been sidelined, Deputy President's head of communications David Mugonyi said, 'I am not aware.'
However, sources indicate that Ruto's trip to the US, which was to take three weeks, was called off at the last minute with State House citing the need for the President to be in the country.
Published on September 15, 2019 by Wanjoii Githae.
