President William Ruto arrived in Washington, DC, USA, on Wednesday at the invitation of President Donald Trump to participate in a historic diplomatic moment for the Great Lakes region.
Ruto was received by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, among other senior government officials who are part of his delegation.
Ruto is set to join Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Félix Tshisekedi on Thursday for the official signing of the DRC-Rwanda Peace Agreement.
The accord is widely regarded as the most significant breakthrough in efforts to end decades of conflict in Eastern DRC.
The high-level ceremony, set to take place at the White House, follows months of behind-the-scenes shuttle diplomacy, security consultations, and intensified regional engagement led by the US with support from key African partners, including Kenya.
President Ruto’s presence underscores Kenya’s growing credibility as a stabilising force in regional security matters and a trusted mediator in complex geopolitical disputes.
Ruto, who is the current chairman of the EAC, has been calling for all parties in the conflict to embrace dialogue.
Before his departure, Ruto noted that Kenya’s support for peace efforts in the DRC is anchored in both regional solidarity and global responsibility, saying the agreement represents “a turning point that can finally open a new chapter of stability, security, and prosperity for millions who have lived under the shadow of conflict for far too long.”
The agreement is expected to commit both Kigali and Kinshasa to verifiable steps on troop withdrawals, disarmament of armed groups, reopening of trade corridors, and coordinated humanitarian access to communities affected by years of violence.
