Ruto Holds Talks With UN Secretary-General, Ford Foundation President [Details]

President William Ruto held a series of bilateral meetings with international leaders and development partners on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

In an update on Thursday, September 24, Ruto said he held talks with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, with discussions focusing on multilateralism, regional peace and security.

He said Kenya remained committed to advancing African-led approaches to peace and security while also strengthening Nairobi’s position as a key United Nations hub.

"We discussed peace and security in our region and the importance of advancing African-led solutions through the African Peace and Security Architecture. Kenya remains committed to playing its part in building peace and strengthening multilateralism," he wrote.

Ruto added that Kenya continued to value its partnership with the United Nations, particularly in strengthening the UN’s presence in Nairobi.

"We value our partnership with the United Nations in strengthening the UN Office at Nairobi and consolidating Nairobi’s place as the UN’s principal hub in the Global South," he added.

Ruto also commended Guterres as he approaches the conclusion of his tenure, highlighting his advocacy on issues affecting Africa and the Global South.

"As he approaches the conclusion of his stewardship, we commend Secretary-General Guterres for his steadfast leadership and advocacy for a fairer international financial architecture, greater African representation and a stronger voice for the Global South. The greatest tribute to his leadership will be to turn these reforms into reality," he further said.

Elsewhere, Ruto held talks with Ford Foundation President Heather Gerken, where they reaffirmed their longstanding partnership and discussed areas of shared interest.

The discussions focused on social justice, economic inclusion, community empowerment and the role of civil society in Kenya’s development.

"Our discussions focused on social justice, economic inclusion, community empowerment and the contribution of civil society to Kenya’s development," Ruto stated.

Ruto said Kenya would continue engaging diverse voices and working with development partners to expand opportunities and strengthen communities.

"Kenya welcomes diverse voices and encourages open and constructive dialogue across society. We will continue working with the Ford Foundation and other partners to expand opportunity, strengthen communities and advance equitable and sustainable development," he added.

Ruto also met Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation Vice President of Global Programs Senait Fisseha, with the two sides discussing cooperation in Kenya’s health sector.

He said the Foundation had agreed to elevate its partnership with Kenya to a strategic level, creating a platform for deeper cooperation in strengthening the country’s health system.

"We welcomed the Foundation’s decision to elevate our partnership to a strategic level, creating a stronger platform for deeper cooperation in strengthening Kenya’s health system," Ruto noted.

Ruto said the partnership would support health infrastructure while also strengthening key institutions involved in healthcare delivery.

"Our partnership will support health infrastructure for maternal, adolescent and newborn health, while strengthening SHA, DHA and KEMSA to deliver their mandates more effectively," he further said.

Ruto said the cooperation was expected to contribute to improved health outcomes and Kenya’s progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals.

"Through this cooperation, we will improve health outcomes for our people and accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals," he stated.

Elsewhere, Winnie Byanyima, the wife of detained Ugandan opposition figure Kizza Besigye, has responded to criticism following her meeting with President William Ruto on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

In a statement on Thursday, Byanyima, who is the Executive Director of UNAIDS, said her engagements with political and business leaders were part of her work to advance health priorities across Africa. 

She explained that her work requires her to engage with leaders regardless of political differences.

"I am at work, meeting governments, business and other leaders to end AIDS and Ebola, prevent future pandemics and advance Africa’s health sovereignty. There is no leader whose hand I will not shake in pursuit of that work," she wrote.

Byanyima reiterated her position that Besigye was abducted in Nairobi and called for his release alongside other political prisoners.

"I have evidence that Kizza Besigye was abducted by four Ugandan security officials. He remains a prisoner in Uganda. I continue to call on President Yoweri Museveni and his son, Muhoozi Kainerugaba to end his persecution and free Kizza Besigye and all political prisoners," she added.

Byanyima also said Kenyans were justified in seeking answers over whether Kenyan security agencies had any involvement in Besigye’s abduction, while noting that Ugandans continued to push for greater freedom and democracy.

"Kenyans are right to demand answers about whether their security agencies played any role in his abduction. Their democracy gives them that right. We Ugandans continue our struggle for freedom and democracy," she further said.