By Lauryne Akoth
The US Committee of Foreign Affairs has formally urged the Speaker, Mike Johnson to Extend an invitation to President Ruto to Address Congress during his state visit in May.
As per the letter penned by Michael McCaul, the chairman of the House of Foreign Affairs Committee, the invitation would underscore the importance of the bilateral ties between Kenya and the United States.
“We are writing to respectfully request that you extend a formal invitation to the President of the Republic of Kenya, His Excellency William Samoei Ruto, to address a joint session of Congress on his official visit to the United States,” read the statement in part.
“We therefore respectfully request that, at your earliest convenience, you invite President William Samoei Ruto to address a joint session of Congress when he is in the United States on or about May 23, 2024,” he further added.
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Should the invitation be extended to the head of state, he will make history as the first Kenyan head of state to address a joint session of Congress and the first African head of state to do the same, 18 years after former Liberian president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
“This year, we are celebrating the historic 60-year anniversary of the U.S.-Kenya diplomatic relationship,” acknowledged McCaul.
He noted that Kenya and the US share strong political, economical, technological and cultural ties with the US being among Kenya’s largest trading partners.
“It is crucial for members of Congress to understand how Kenya’s active participation in Africa’s future and beyond is vital for peace and stability in the region and aligns with the broader economic and strategic interests of the United States, Noted the chairman of the Foreign Affairs committee.