Inside Ruto's Phone call with Donald Trump

Nairobi, 

Saturday, 9 November, 2024

McCreadie Andias, 

In an exclusive phone call conversation, President William Ruto has congratulated US President-Elect Donald Trump on his election victory and discussed avenues of mutual cooperation under their tenure. 

President Ruto revealed in his social media platforms that he discussed with Trump avenues of bolstering trade, mutual security, and good governance. 

"I have had a telephone conversation with US President-Elect Donald J. Trump. I congratulated him following his election as the 47th President of the United States of America. We discussed areas of mutual interest that are of benefit to the citizens of our two countries, including trade and investment, security and good governance."Ruto stated. 

The President also took the opportunity to discuss Kenya's Multinational security mission in Haiti which has been feared to be in jeopardy under Trump's second Term. 

" I briefed President Trump on the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti and possible areas of cooperation with the US government on this important conflict resolution initiative." He said. 

Trump’s 'America First' Policy is seen to restrict America's foreign policy interactions with other countries especially on the global South in areas such as security, climate change and Health. 

Trump has signalled that under his tenure, the United States might withdraw it's support to Ukraine over Russia and prioritize on It's home affairs, Trump has also signalled to put an end to the Israeli-Palestine war that has took a blow under President Biden’s tenure. 

That makes it uncertain whether Trump will continue to support Kenya's security mission to Haiti which received significant funding under President Joe Biden. 

Trump’s first term also saw him make shocking foreign policy decisions that he defended as part of his goal to prioritize on American interests including withdrawing from the Iran Nuclear Deal, Withdrawing US Funding to the World Health Organization and Withdrawing from the Paris Climate agreement. 

On the day of Trump's Victory on November 6th,President Ruto penned a warm message congratulating Trump and expressing confidence on their fruitful partnership in the near future. 

"Your victory is a testament to the firm resolve of the American people to repose confidence in your visionary, bold and innovative leadership.

As you embark on this phase of your journey of leadership, Kenya stands ready to further enhance our cooperation on matters of mutual interest including trade, investment, technology & innovation, peace and security, and sustainable development.

Kenya values its longstanding partnership with the United States spanning over sixty years grounded in our shared values of democracy, development and mutual respect. We look forward to deepening our collaboration under your leadership as we work together to address global challenges, promote peace and security and foster inclusive economic growth for the benefit of our peoples.

Congratulations once again Mr. President-Elect, and may your tenure bring continued progress and unity to the United States of America and strengthen the bonds between our two great nations." Ruto noted, a rather political court to Donald Trump.

The President also recently made a phone call with US secretary of State Antony Blinken to discuss the stake of the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) in Haiti under the transition. 

"We discussed the transition of the mission into a UN peacekeeping operation to enhance the capability of the mission to help stabilise Haiti. @SecBlinken" He stated. 

Kenya and the United States are continuously working together to enhance our collaboration to ensure improved governance. This includes the fight against corruption and provision of capacity building to make our security institutions more efficient, effective and accountable in the discharge of their mandate.

In a telephone call with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken this evening, we discussed this pertinent issue and agreed on how our two countries will work together.

Blinken thanked Ruto for Kenya’s ongoing commitment to assisting Haiti in restoring peace and security amid ongoing challenges. Additionally, Blinken and Ruto discussed the Tumaini Peace Initiative, aimed at fostering peace in South Sudan.

Blinken underscored the need for South Sudanese leaders to fully commit to the peace talks facilitated by Kenya, with the goal of establishing a sustainable peace in South Sudan, a country that has experienced years of civil conflict.

The call between Blinken and Ruto also covered the situation in Sudan, where both leaders emphasized the need for coordinated efforts to increase humanitarian access, halt ongoing conflict, and lay the groundwork for civilian-led governance. This commitment comes as Sudan grapples with escalating violence and a deteriorating humanitarian crisis.

The Secretary of State additionally highlighted the importance of continued engagement with Kenya’s civil society and youth following a wave of protests in Kenya from June to August. Blinken stressed the necessity of accountability for security forces involved in incidents of protest-related violence and alleged abductions, reinforcing U.S. support for democratic principles and inclusivity within Kenya.