Why President Ruto Is Flying to US This Week

Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei has announced that President William Ruto is set to fly out to the U.S. this week. 

Addressing the media on Thursday, September 17, PS Sing’Oei said the Head of State is scheduled to attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) high-level week. 

According to PS Sing’Oei, President Ruto will leave the country later in the week for the high-level event. 

“We are happy to announce that the President agreed to attend this UNGA and therefore we are here to inform you that the President will be departing the capital later this week," said PS Sing’Oei. 

The UNGA high-level week will run from Tuesday September 22 to September 26, 2026. 

The event will be attended by dignitaries and heads of government from all 193 UN member states. 

President Ruto’s trip to the US comes weeks after his former Deputy Rigathi Gachagua embarked on a tour to America. 

Gachagua flew out of the country on Wednesday, August 26, alongside his wife, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi. 

Addressing the media before leaving the country, Gachagua said he would take a ten-day break to rest before beginning his engagements in the US. 

“I’m taking a 10-day rest because I have been working very hard without taking time to rest. I want to use the break to re-energize and spend some quality time with my wife. I have not had an opportunity to spend some quality time with her,” Gachagua said. 

Gachagua also revealed that he would use the US tour to make political decisions ahead of the 2027 General Election without external influence. 

“I have a reason why I will be travelling for an extended period. When I am here, there are decisions that I cannot make due to external influence. 

“Therefore, I want to make decisions without undue influence,” Gachagua said.  

During the tour, the former Deputy President is scheduled to hold engagements with Kenyans living in Washington, Dallas, Kansas, Oregon, and Boston.