Trump and Ruto Discuss Security, Trade, and Haiti Mission in First Call
President William Ruto held his first official conversation with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, a discussion that comes amid growing concerns in Kenya over the influence of U.S. Ambassador to Kenya, Meg Whitman.
Sharing the news via his official X account on Friday, November 7, Ruto disclosed that the conversation covered numerous areas of shared interest. “I had a telephone conversation with U.S. President-Elect Donald Trump,” Ruto announced. “We discussed areas of mutual interest that benefit both Kenyans and Americans, including trade, investment, security, and good governance.”
The conversation took place just a day after Ruto’s call with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who urged him to address Kenya’s rising cases of abductions and to ensure greater accountability for security forces. Blinken also encouraged Ruto to engage Kenyan youth on policies in the wake of recent Gen Z-led protests, which emphasized the need for leadership accountability.
During his call with Trump, Ruto took the opportunity to congratulate him on his victory and shared insights into Kenya’s Haiti peacekeeping mission. “I briefed President Trump on the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti and explored possible cooperation areas with the U.S. government on this crucial peace initiative,” Ruto noted. Kenya’s involvement in Haiti is part of its larger commitment to global peace, an effort launched with UN support to stabilize the Caribbean nation.
However, the mission has met with opposition at home. DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa recently called on President-elect Trump to end Kenya’s role in the Haiti mission and allow Kenyan police officers to return home. Ruto, nevertheless, encouraged Trump to consider areas for collaboration on this peace effort.
Trump’s return to the White House follows a hard-fought victory over Vice President Kamala Harris, a Democrat, marking a notable political comeback after his previous four-year absence. The leaders’ conversation reaffirmed Kenya-U.S. ties, highlighting both countries’ commitment to enhancing economic and security cooperation, as Kenya seeks expanded trade and further American investment.
Ruto’s recent conversations with both Trump and Blinken underscore a robust Kenya-U.S. partnership and a shared commitment to addressing security and governance challenges. As the transition of power unfolds in the U.S., Ruto’s outreach reflects his desire to strengthen Kenya’s strategic alliance with America.
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Trump and Ruto Discuss Security, Trade, and Haiti Mission in First Call
