For the first time since taking office, President William Ruto will not attend a foreign meeting, opting out of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit due to recent protests that have shaken his government and resulted in multiple deaths.
By THEDISPATCH.DIGITAL REPORTER
President William Ruto will miss his first NATO meeting since Kenya was granted NATO ally status. The summit, the fourth held on US soil, will gather its 32 member states and their allies, mainly as observers.
Ruto, who has been keen on foreign diplomacy, is believed to have skipped the meeting out of fear that the ongoing Gen Z protests could escalate, potentially threatening his presidency. Additionally, he faces open rebellion from his Deputy, Rigathi Gacagua, who has publicly complained about public servants allegedly undermining him.
The NATO summit in Washington DC also marks the 75th anniversary of the alliance, originally formed to defend its members from aggression, particularly from the former USSR and its communist allies. The last summit was held in Vilnius, Lithuania, on July 11-12, 2023.
Among the attendees is Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who seeks NATO membership for Ukraine. However, Zelensky is expected to receive only a commitment that Ukraine is welcome to join in the future, rather than immediate membership.
Ruto’s absence from the summit highlights the significant impact of recent protests on his government. It signifies a shift towards prioritizing national issues over foreign engagements, addressing public discontent over heavy taxation and poor government services. Ruto’s decision to skip the summit also underscores the ongoing political instability and his struggle to maintain control amid growing domestic challenges.