President William Ruto’s Memorable Moments in 2023

President William Ruto on Sep 13, 2023, marked his first year in office following the August 2022 polls.

In this article, we take a look at President Ruto’s five memorable events in 2023.

Eiffel Tower Speech

President Ruto on June 22 delivered a powerful speech at the Eiffel Tower, in Paris, France, where he addressed the Global Citizen Concert.

The speech was met with enthusiasm and cheers among the group that had gathered to listen to him.

"Guys, I bring you greetings from Kenya, the land of the greatest marathoners," Ruto started as the crowd jubilated.

"From the youngest continent in the globe, It is wonderful to see so many people from around the world in one of the most historic cities under the magnificent Eiffel Tower."

Ruto focused on Climate Change where he pushed for the need to channel resources and efforts towards addressing the crisis.

Following the speech a number of Kenyan leaders congratulated the Head of State for the moving speech with Defence CS Aden Duale describing Ruto as the greatest orator to have ever reached the greatest height of power in the history of Kenya.

“President William Ruto is probably the most eloquent, greatest orator we have had at the pinnacle of power," he said.

Africa Climate Summit

Kenya in September hosted the Inaugural African Climate Summit at KICC Nairobi which brought together over 30,000 delegates including 12 heads of state and government, 66 ministers from various countries, and more than 20 heads of international organizations.

The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen also attended the summit.

During the four-day summit, President Ruto drove himself from State House to KICC using an Autopax Air EV Yetu electric vehicle. His escort team was also an all-electric motorcade, which included electric motorbikes.

The fleet escorted him to and from the summit venue in what State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohammed said was symbolizing President Ruto's willingness to lead by example in the continent's initiative to minimize carbon footprint.

Speaking during the closing ceremony of the summit, Ruto said the agreement reached at the conference showed the seriousness of African states to help solve the climate change crisis.

“The Africa Climate Summit is both a demonstration of the unwavering collective commitment of the people of Africa to their vision to make humanity's first home here in Africa, a land of abundant potential, limitless opportunity, and the possibility of shared prosperity," said Ruto.

"It also showcases our determination to mobilize a global coalition of emergency responders to ensure that the industrialization necessary to drive future economic transformation restores our planet's vitality and ecological balance."

Standing Ovation in the European Union Parliament

President Ruto on November 21 received a standing ovation moments after addressing the European Union (EU) Parliament in Strasbourg, France.

In his speech, Ruto stressed on the importance of EU-Kenya and EU-Africa cooperation, focusing on green transition and industrialization.

The Head of State also called for an investment in the carbon credits sector in Africa noting that the continent wants to compete.

Ruto further urged European companies, institutions, and organizations to explore opportunities in Africa and develop solutions that not only benefit Africa but also contribute to global progress.

Ranking Among Top 100 Most Influential Climate Leaders In 2023

President Ruto was in November ranked among the top 100 most influential climate leaders in 2023 by Time magazine.

According to the New York-based magazine, Ruto emerged as a leader in green investment in the African continent in 2023.

The magazine specifically pointed out the inaugural African Climate Summit held in Kenya in September which secured $23 billion in funding for green projects.

“William Ruto is the President of Kenya, where he has emerged as a leader on green investment for Africa. Kenya hosted this year’s inaugural Africa Climate Summit, which secured $23 billion in funding for green projects for the continent. As part of Kenya’s efforts to increase electricity access, 80% of the grid is supplied by low-carbon sources,” the magazine stated.

African Leadership Persons of the Year

President Ruto was on December 18 named the African Leadership Person of the Year by the United Kingdom's African Leadership Magazine (ALM).

"African Leadership Magazine announces the winners of the African Persons of the Year Awards 2023. Congratulations, William Ruto, President of Kenya, on your emergence as African of the Year. Presentation billed for February 23, 2024, in Addis Ababa," ALM said in a statement.

According to ALM chairman Ken Giami, the winners of the 2023 awards made significant contributions to the African Renaissance.

"Their sacrifices, policies, and actions have bolstered regional peace and cooperation, improved healthcare and education, and laid the groundwork for substantial progress, economic growth and human capital development across Africa," Giami said.

The determination of the winner involved a two-step selection process which included a call for nominations and an online voting poll.