President William Ruto’s diary this week was relatively low-key, following the burial of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Sunday.
However, it was marked by solemn reflection and key diplomatic engagements.
Here's the roundup:
A human drawing in honor of late Raila Odinga as a hero during the Mashujaa day celebration at Ithookwe Stadium in
Monday, October 21
At the Mashujaa Day celebrations held in Kitui County, President Ruto dedicated this year’s national day to the memory of the late Raila.
He described him as “a patriot whose immense contribution and sacrifice shaped Kenya’s transformation.”
“We dedicate this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations to the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in recognition of his immense contribution and sacrifice in shaping the transformation of our nation,” he said.
In his honour, the Head of State conferred upon him Kenya’s highest civilian award, the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (C.G.H.), First Class, securing his place among the foremost national heroes.
The event was graced by Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Mozambique Prime Minister Maria Benvinda Levy.
Ruto pledged to champion causes dear to Raila’s heart, strengthening democracy, promoting food security, advancing value addition and industrialisation, and expanding energy and infrastructure development.
He later presided over the conferment of State honours and awards at the Kitui State lodge.
Tuesday, October 22
At State House, Nairobi, he met Prime Minister Maria Benvinda Levy of Mozambique.
They reviewed Kenya–Mozambique cooperation in agriculture, the blue economy, and investment.
He also lauded the 2018 visa waiver agreement that has enhanced people-to-people ties and reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to implementing the eight memoranda of understanding signed during his 2023 visit to Maputo.
He later hosted President Faye of Senegal, where the two leaders witnessed the signing of a visa-waiver agreement allowing citizens to travel visa-free for up to 90 days.
“This milestone will foster stronger people-to-people ties while boosting tourism, trade and collaboration,” Ruto noted.
He also received a briefing on national examination preparations from Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba and ministry officials.
He expressed confidence in the readiness of all stakeholders as candidates sit various assessments, including the inaugural Grade 9 Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA).
Thursday, October 23
He joined mourners in Thome, Laikipia County, to celebrate the life of Mzee Weston Kirocho Kanja, father of Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja, hailing the late elder as a steadfast and community-minded leader.
Mzee Kirocho died October 14.
Friday, October 24
He closed the week by hosting the English Premier League Trophy at State House, celebrating Kenya’s rich sporting talent and reaffirming his administration’s commitment to modernising sports infrastructure.
The arrival of the trophy marks the beginning of a two-day public showcase hosted by Guinness, the official beer partner of the Premier League.
Fans will have the opportunity to view and take photos with the trophy at Bar Next Door (BND) along Kiambu Road on October 25 and 26.
Later, he chaired the inaugural virtual meeting of the Ad Hoc Oversight Committee of Heads of State and Government on African Union (AU) Institutional Reforms, where he reiterated Kenya’s support for a stronger, more accountable and efficient AU.
The meeting reviewed progress and set priorities ahead of the Special Summit in Luanda, Angola, scheduled for November 26.
