- President William Ruto praised the DRC-Rwanda peace deal in Washington, but briefly faltered while appealing to President Donald Trump on Sudan
- He linked regional stability to economic growth, highlighting opportunities in eastern DRC and the African Continental Free Trade Area
- Ruto credited US leadership and coordination for the breakthrough, sharing some details of Kenya’s own mediation role
Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
President William Ruto has nurtured his oratory skills and has often received praise for his ability to deliver perfect speeches on the world stage.
Source: Facebook
However, his almost gaffe moment in the US has just reaffirmed that he’s also human after all and can get nervous at times.
In a tense moment at a high-profile diplomatic forum in Washington DC, Ruto appeared visibly unsettled as he appealed to US president Donald Trump to assist in resolving the escalating crisis in Sudan.
The impassioned plea came during the signing of a landmark peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda on Thursday, December 4.
How did Ruto praise Trump?
Addressing an audience of African leaders, diplomats, and global stakeholders, Ruto opened by lauding the signing as a decisive act to end a devastating conflict that has scarred the Great Lakes Region.
He highlighted the toll of prolonged instability, noting that the violence had destroyed livelihoods, destabilised entire communities, and threatened the economic prospects of Africa’s eastern corridor.
Ruto praised the coordinated efforts behind the peace accord, which he said were shaped through the Nairobi, Luanda, and Washington processes.
“Reaching this point was made possible by the unparalleled and consequential convening power of the United States and President Trump’s resolute and focused commitment to global peace. His clarity of purpose and ability to rally stakeholders have been pivotal. We therefore extend our profound gratitude to President Trump, whose bold leadership has been instrumental in delivering this breakthrough,” Ruto said, acknowledging Trump’s role.
Ruto’s speech underscored the link between peace and development, pointing out that the eastern DRC could become one of Africa’s greatest economic opportunities, leveraging its vast natural resources, youthful population, and regional trade infrastructure under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Ruto said predictable governance and stable markets would attract private investment and spark sustainable growth, drawing from Kenya’s own model of public-private partnerships.
Did Ruto get nervous speaking before Trump?
Ruto also used the platform to promote regional economic integration, describing it as essential for reversing Africa’s historic pattern of exporting raw materials while importing finished products at high costs.
“A peaceful and integrated Great Lakes Region will accelerate such innovation. Predictable governance reduces risk, harmonised regulation lowers costs, and open borders increase trade, attracting value-added industries to our continent,” he noted.
But the speech took a notable turn when Ruto shifted from celebrating the DRC-Rwanda accord to addressing another simmering crisis.
With a mix of hesitation and determination, he directed his message to Trump, appealing for help in solving the crisis in Rwanda.
In a short moment that has gone viral on social media, Ruto uncharacteristically stammered, drawing immediate attention.
“In conclusion, as we celebrate progress in the DRC, we must not look away from other crises. I want to ask you, respectfully, President Trump, in your quest for global peace and solidarity, to support efforts to resolve the unfolding human catastrophe in Sudan. Thank you,” Ruto said.
Mentor Austin Omanya:
“But he’s still a great speaker, do u know that talking before a bully is not a walk in the park.”
James Mwangi:
“English language not ours, still Wantam.”
Susan Kimemia:
“Haiya, when did Ruto start stammering??”
Dennis Mogere:
“He totally avoided looking at Trump.”
Thethe Muswamba Ngomba:
“Tanzanians should be laughing their socks off following Ruto’s speech as Kenyans always taunt them about kizungu. Mr president should have done his speech in swahili or kikuyu instead of speaking English in kikuyu.”
Source: Twitter
Why did Sudan rebuke Ruto?
On February 18, a meeting of Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the rebel paramilitary group from Sudan accused of genocide and war crimes, took place at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi.
The gathering aimed to launch what RSF described as a “Political Charter for the Government of Peace and Unity.”
The government of the Republic of the Sudan reacted sharply, condemning the event as a breach of international law and a violation of Sudan’s sovereignty.
It accused Kenya under Ruto of hosting a “terrorist militia,” effectively endorsing atrocities and backing efforts to form a parallel government.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
