President William Ruto has disclosed details of his phone conversation with US President-Elect Donald Trump.
In a statement shared on the night of Friday, November 8, 2024, the Head of State informed the country that he congratulated Trump on his election victory during the telephone conversation.
According to Ruto, their talks also centred around trade and investment, security and good governance.
“I have had a telephone conversation with US President-Elect Donald Trump. I congratulated him following his election as the 47th President of the United States of America.
“We discussed areas of mutual interest that are of benefit to the citizens of our two countries, including trade and investment, security and good governance,” Ruto’s statement read in part.
Haiti Mission
At the same time, Ruto also briefed Donald Trump on the mission of Multinational Security Support to Haiti.
Ruto noted that they discussed possible areas of cooperation with the US even as Trump prepares to assume office after triumphing against Vice President Kamala Harris.
“I briefed President Trump on the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti and possible areas of cooperation with the US government on this important conflict resolution initiative,” Ruto’s statement added.
There has been scepticism over the Haiti support mission with Donald Trump assuming office in January 2025. This is because of his bold policy of non-interference with other nations.
Many had raised doubts about whether the US would continue backing the mission as it has been among the nations which were actively funding the peace restoration operation in Haiti.
By the time of this publication, Trump had not issued a statement confirming his stance on the Haiti mission.
Call with Blinken
However, the telephone conversation comes a day after Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Ruto about the Haiti mission and other relevant issues.
Blinken thanked Ruto’s administration for their continued support of the mission and efforts made to restore peace in Haiti.
Besides the Haiti mission, Blinken also called for accountability following the reported cases of killings and abductions during the Gen-Z-led protests during the anti-Finance Bill 2024 demonstrations.
“The Secretary also reiterated the need for continued engagement with the Kenyan public, youth, and civil society following the June-August protests and underscored the importance of full accountability for security forces reportedly involved in protest violence and ongoing abductions.
“The Secretary reaffirmed the close and enduring connection between the peoples of our two nations and reiterated our support for Kenya’s inclusive and democratic future,” Blinken’s statement read in part.
