Ruto’s US Congress Snub: A Pawn in Democrat Vs Republican Power Play
Just two days from now, President William Ruto will embark on his state visit to the United States, aiming to bolster bilateral ties with various leaders across sectors. However, even before Ruto’s arrival, his proposed schedule sparked controversy in Washington.
This visit marks the commemoration of 60 years of diplomatic relations between Kenya and the US. A state visit is the highest honor bestowed upon a foreign leader, entailing a ceremonial welcome and an official dinner at the White House.
The US government sees this visit as an opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to investing in Africa, particularly amidst increasing competition from key geopolitical rivals like China and Russia.
Throughout the visit, discussions will encompass regional diplomacy, trade relations, and climate change, among other topics.
In the days leading up to his arrival, a contentious issue arose regarding Ruto’s invitation to address a joint session of Congress by the Democrats.
Typically, leaders on state visits deliver such addresses in Congress, and it was anticipated that Ruto would become the sixth foreign leader and the first African president to do so during the current Congress.
Previously, leaders such as those from Israel, France, South Korea, India, and Japan have addressed Congress upon invitations from the Republicans.
However, House Speaker Mike Johnson (Republican) declined the request for Ruto to speak, raising concerns about its potential implications for future relations.
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President Ruto’s visit has thrust the ongoing tensions between Democrats and Republicans onto the global stage. Since President Joe Biden’s contentious victory in the 2020 elections, the two parties have been locked in a power struggle, impacting international affairs.
This year, the partisan divide has affected crucial aid to Ukraine and Israel, further entangling President Ruto amid US politics as the country approaches its elections.
The Republicans supported the Speaker’s decision, citing scheduling conflicts as the reason for declining the invitation.
Conversely, on Friday, 14 Democratic lawmakers criticized the Speaker’s actions, accusing him of disrespecting Kenya and potentially damaging bilateral relations.
They warned that such actions could create openings for other global powers like China, Russia, and Iran to undermine America’s alliances, particularly in Africa.
Since 1980, US Presidents have typically controlled both the House of Representatives and the Senate along with the executive branch, enabling smoother governance.
However, President Biden’s Democratic Party lacks a majority in the House of Representatives, though they control the Senate by a narrow margin.
With the US election scheduled for November 4, 2024, Biden aims to rejuvenate US-Africa relations, which suffered during the Trump era.
Critics argue that Biden’s party supports Ruto’s policies and seeks to leverage his influence to demonstrate solidarity with African leaders.
While the timing of the state visit preceding the election may fuel such speculations, the focus remains on the discussions between the two leaders.
Ruto’s US Congress Snub: A Pawn in Democrat Vs Republican Power Play