DP Gachagua no-show as Interior CS Kindiki sees off president Ruto to New York for UNGA summit
The rift between president William Ruto and his estranged deputy Rigathi Gachagua seems to have escalated to an all-time high after the latter was a no-show as the president departed for New York in the United States to attend the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Summit.
Instead, the president was seen off by the Chief of Defence Forces, Charles Kahariri and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki, among other senior security officials.
He was accompanied by First Lady Rachel Ruto among other officials.
The Deputy President Gachagua was missing.
Gachagua in an interview said he had not been briefed about the time Ruto would leave the country.
Some senior state officials are already in New York, ahead of the UNGA meet.
President Ruto departed from Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on a Kenya Airways flight at 11.34pm on Friday.
He will arrive at JFK International Airport before 2pm (EAT).
State House Press Office said President Ruto will advocate for comprehensive and accelerated reforms of multilateral institutions including the United Nations to ensure they remain relevant to current challenges.
The office said Ruto will call for a thorough review of multilateral system to highlight its inability to address interrelated crises.
“His advocacy will focus on ensuring that the proposed ‘pact of the future’ promotes a democratic, transparent, equitable and responsive global order that addresses the specific needs of Kenya, Africa and developing nations.” A statement released ahead of his departure read.
President Ruto will also hold a series of meetings with world leaders and international organizations to strengthen Kenya’s partnerships and explore opportunities for collaboration in trade, investment and diplomacy.
Ruto will also meet with United Nations Secretary General to discuss the country’s role as host of the UN Environment Programme and the ongoing capital project at the UN offices in Nairobi among others.
“UNGA 79 offers crucial platform for Kenya and Africa to assert their positions on the global state,” read the statement.
State House said Ruto’s agenda is focused on ensuring that Africa’s interests “are not only heard but also acted upon in the shaping of a more inclusive, sustainable and equitable world order.”
