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Ruto elated after Nigerian woman praises his work in New York street encounter
21st September, 2026 11:25 PM
President William Ruto appeared pleased after a Nigerian woman approached him in the streets of New York and praised his work in Kenya.
The woman was seen running to catch up with Ruto before thanking him for what she said his administration was doing in Kenya. She said she was Nigerian but followed his administration and wanted to appreciate his work.
“Your Excellency, thank you for the work you do in Kenya; we Africans are watching and seeing your administration working. I am Nigerian, but I follow your administration, so I have to say thank you for the work that you do,” the woman said on Monday, September 21, 2026.
Ruto thanked the woman for her remarks before continuing with his journey in New York. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and other officials accompanied him as he moved through the city. The encounter was captured on video.
“Thank you, thank you. Okay, God bless,” Ruto said.
Ruto’s New York visit
Ruto is in New York for the 81st United Nations General Assembly, where Kenya is taking part in the high-level meetings. His visit includes engagements around investment, trade, technology and Africa’s role in the digital and artificial intelligence economy.
The president said his focus during the New York engagements would include attracting African and global capital while strengthening Kenya’s investment drive. He also said the country would seek partnerships in areas including energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, health, agriculture and technology.
“Arrived in New York for the 81st United Nations General Assembly to advance Kenya’s investment drive, attract African and global capital, and strengthen Africa’s role in the digital and AI economy,” Ruto said.
Ruto arrived in New York on Sunday, September 20, 2026, ahead of the UNGA engagements. The high-level week of the 81st session is scheduled to run from September 22 to September 28, with global leaders expected to discuss issues including debt sustainability, climate finance, digital trade and regional security.
The interaction with the Nigerian woman happened as Ruto moved through New York ahead of his many engagements at the United Nations. The woman told him that she was following his administration despite being from Nigeria and wanted to thank him for his work in Kenya.
