Moses Kuria 'missing in action' as Ruto meets US investment partners

By Peter Ochieng

Trade and Investment Cabinet Secretary (CS) Moses Kuria seemingly missed an important meeting at State House, Nairobi on Wednesday morning.

President William Ruto met United States of America investment partners, and as the CS incharge, Kuria was expected to attend the meeting.

But according to photos shared by the President via his social media pages, the vocal CS was 'missing in action.'

Multiple media reports indicate that earlier, US trade representative Katherine Tai cancelled two scheduled meetings with Kuria over the CS's 'sharp tongue.'

Over the past days and weeks, the CS has gone full throttle on social media against the media and opposition, with vulgar language defining some of his posts.

Kuria and his East Africa Affairs counterpart Rebecca Miano, were also set to attend a US-East Africa Community Trade and Investment Framework Agreement Council meeting, in Nairobi.

Only Miano was allowed in. Kuria was reportedly barred after Tai allegedly expressed reservations over his behaviour.

After the State House meeting, President Ruto wrote:

"America is our key trade and investment partner. Under the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act, Kenya has developed its value chains, expanded and diversified its exports, creating thousands of employment opportunities."

"We will stretch our ties beyond AGOA — in the wake of advanced technology and climate change — for the full exploitation of our trade potential," he added.

Foreign and Diaspora Affairs CS Alfred Mutua attended the State House meeting.