Ruto to be hosted at Parliament for a reception after address

President William Ruto with National Assembly SPeaker Moses Wetangula in Parliament on November 20, 2025./PCS

President William Ruto during the State of the Nation address in Parliament on November 20, 2025./EZEKIEL AMINGA'

President William Ruto will be hosted at Parliament for a formal reception following his State of the Nation Address, marking the conclusion of one of the country’s most significant constitutional ceremonies.

Ruto, who arrived at Parliament shortly after 2pm accompanied by First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto, was received by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Chief of Defence Forces General Charles Kahariri.

He proceeded to greet the leadership of both houses, led by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, before inspecting a guard of honour mounted by the Kenya Defence Forces.

The proceedings began with the National Anthem and the East African Community Anthem, followed by a prayer led by the Speaker of the Senate. The formal convocation was then conducted, first by the Senate Speaker and subsequently by the Speaker of the National Assembly.

Wetang’ula then went on to acknowledge the dignitaries present before inviting the president to deliver his address. The joint sitting drew a high-profile audience of lawmakers, senior government officials, and constitutional officeholders, reflecting the ceremony’s national significance.

They included Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Chief Justice Martha Koome, Cabinet Secretaries, former speakers and diplomats.

The State of the Nation Address, delivered annually under Article 132 of the Constitution, gives the President an opportunity to update the country on security, governance, development progress, and international obligations.

Following the conclusion of his address, the Speakers of both Houses formally will adjourn the sitting, first the Speaker of the Senate, then the Speaker of the National Assembly, bringing the ceremonial proceedings to a close.

The President will thereafter attend a reception hosted by Parliament, a tradition that provides an informal opportunity for interaction between the Executive, Legislature, and invited dignitaries.

The reception marks the final event of a day steeped in constitutional protocol, political symbolism, and national reflection.