Back to skies: President Ruto jets to Rwanda for Kagame’s inauguration
President William Ruto has travelled outside Kenya for the first time in two months after he was grounded by anti-government protests.
Dr Ruto left Nairobi on Sunday, August 11, morning to attend the fourth inauguration ceremony of Rwanda President Paul Kagame in Kigali.
Mr Kagame is beginning his fourth term in office after smashing his own record by winning July 15 elections with more than 99 percent of the vote.
The 66-year-old ruler, who has been criticised for silencing his critics and political rivals, won the 2017 election with 98.63 percent of the vote, higher than the 93 percent he got in 2010 and 95 percent in 2003.
According to a statement issued by State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, Dr Ruto will be among heads of state who will join more than 40,000 people expected to attend a ceremony at Amahoro Stadium.
“Under President Kagame, Kenya-Rwanda relations have blossomed, with commercial and people-to-people ties further consolidating for the mutual benefit of both countries and the region,” Mr Mohamed said.
This becomes President Ruto’s first visit outside the country in two months following unrest across the country, which slammed breaks on his travels as he battled to restore law and order.
The president’s last visit was back in June, where he attended the 50th G7 summit in Italy, and later attended another peace summit in Switzerland.
He arrived in the country on June 17 amid a heated debate in the country over the controversial Finance Bill 2024, with those opposed to the proposed law breaching security protocols and laying siege on Parliament.
Before taking a break, Dr Ruto’s regular foreign trips had come under public scrutiny and sparked outrage after it emerged that a year into his first term, he was rivalling his predecessors, some of whom had served for two terms.
An analysis by the Nation in June revealed that the Head of State had made 62 visits to 38 countries in just 20 months.
Expensive foreign travel and public display of opulence by Dr Ruto’s first Cabinet were also among reasons why Kenyans successfully pushed for the firing of more than half of the ministers.
Dr Ruto’s choice of private jet during his five-day US state visit amid high cost of living in the country, for instance, became a matter of concern among Kenyans.
However, the president defended the move, saying that the private jet was cost-friendly compared to using Kenya Airways flights.
He added that his cost of travel was largely funded by the partners and that as a responsible citizen, he was cautious about spending.
“Fellow Kenyans, I have noted concerns on my mode of transport to the USA. As a responsible steward of public resources and in keeping with my determination for us to live within our means and that I should lead from the front in so doing, the cost was less than travelling on KQ,” President Ruto said through X platform.
The president has also defended his frequent travelling, saying they benefit the country.
“They are people on my case as to why I am making foreign trips. That’s my mandate as the President. I am the chief agent of Kenya and ambassador who will plan on how the country will move forward,” Dr Ruto said in October 2023.
He explained that the overseas trips had brought investments in the country and yielded jobs for Kenyans abroad, including Germany and the Gulf countries.
But following the spread of anti-government protests, the president announced austerity measures last month, which include suspending all non-essential travel by state officers.
“All non-essential travels by state officers is hereby suspended.”
Shows
See AllAM Live
AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.
Business Redefined
Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.
Comedies
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Entertainment
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Full Episodes
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Gumzo La Sato
Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.
Health Diary
Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.
Letter To My Younger Self
Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.
Nation Reports
Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.
One Health Lens Podcast
Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens
Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.
Speaking of GEN Z
Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.
Sport On
Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.
Tech-over
The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.
Thamani
Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.
The Politalk podcast
This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.
The Trend
A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.
The trend podcast
The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA
The Wicked Edition
The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience
Trending
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Twende
Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.
Unscripted
This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.
VIP Access
VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.
WADR
This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.
When death do us part
In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.
Your World
Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.