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How Ruto's Martin Luther King Center visit went down in Atlanta

Ruto was welcomed by Bernice King, Martin Luther King jnr's daughter

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by The Star

Sports21 May 2024 - 14:09
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In Summary


  • He walked up the stairs at the King Centre in his black shoes as he greeted the delegates awaiting him.
  • The President arrived in navy blue suit with golden dotted suit.
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President William Ruto, Martin Luther King Junior's daughter Bernice King and First Lady Rachel Ruto at the Martin Luther King's tomb on May 20, 2024.

President William Ruto on Monday evening visited the Martin Luther King Centre accompanied by First Lady Rachel Ruto alongside other government officials.

Ruto who arrived at the Centre at around 3 pm was escorted from the Carter Centre which he had visited earlier.

The President arrived in a navy blue suit with a golden dotted tie.

He walked up the stairs at the King Centre in his black shoes as he greeted the delegates awaiting him.

Ruto was welcomed by Bernice King, Martin Luther King jnr's daughter.

First Lady Rachel Ruto, Martin Luther King Junior's daughter Bernice King and President William Ruto at the Martin Luther King's tomb on May 20, 2024.

Bernice who wore a striped navy blue and dark blue striped suit also wore green doll shoes to match the outfit. She extended her hands and welcomed the delegation that had just arrived at the centre.

Rachel Ruto who wore a red lace dress walked alongside the Head of State as they were told the history of the King Centre with the first stop being at the Eternal Flame.

The Eternal Flame symbolises the continuing effort to realise King’s dream of the “Beloved Community,” This was King's vision for a world of justice, peace and equality for all mankind.

"What he stood for was peace and equality for all. It means that we always champion for equality. It does not go off at all," one of the congregants told the Star.

As the President moved closer to the eternal flame, Bernice kept on explaining the impact of the flame.

Outside the Martin Luther King's tomb on May 20, 2024.

They were not allowed to address the press at that moment. The memorial centre was founded in 1968.

"We have different programmes at the centre, beloved community talks, rethink podcasts and students with King. He also created a historic district to preserve the area and the birth home. This is the final resting point," one of the ladies said.

After the flame, Ruto and the entourage laid a wreath at the final resting place for King and his wife Correter before they proceeded to the Freedom Hall.

The Freedom Hall is the exhibition location on campus, as well as the primary location for special events and programmes.

It contains a grand foyer, The Yolanda D. King Theatre for the Performing Arts, Bookstore & Resource Center and various works of art from across the globe.

Freedom Hall’s second floor is utilised as exhibit space.

President William Ruto, Martin Luther King Junior's daughter Bernice King and First Lady Rachel Ruto at the Martin Luther King's tomb on May 20, 2024.
The way to the Freedom Hall.
The Eternal flame at the Kings Centre.
A logo at the Kings Centre.
The way to the Freedom Hall.
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