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Ruto sends message to IShowSpeed as he kicks off Kenya visit
11th January, 2026 02:59 PM
President William Ruto has welcomed American YouTube star Darren Jason Watkins Jr, widely known as IShowSpeed, to Kenya as he begins his visit to the country.
In a video shared on his official social media accounts, Ruto shared a warm and culturally rich message to the content creator.
Ruto, in the message, described the country as more than just a destination. He noted that Kenya is a pulse, a feeling, and a place many proudly call home.
“Jambo, IShowSpeed, welcome to Kenya, karibu Kenya. Kenya is not just another country; Kenya is a pulse, a feel. Kenya is home,” Ruto welcomed IShow.
He also referenced the country’s global tourism brand, Magical Kenya, describing it as the origin of wonder.
“This is magical Kenya, the origin of wonder,” Ruto stated.
IShowSpeed in Kenya
The American streamer officially kicked off his much-anticipated visit in Kenya by starting his first live stream in Nairobi on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at Upper Hill High School, where he was met with excitement from students and teachers.
Speaking during the broadcast, Speed said it was his first time in Kenya and promised fans unforgettable content.
“This is my first time in Kenya. Kenya will be lit, 100 per cent. Stream about to be lit,” he said.
The visit also featured a standout moment with Julius Yego, Kenya’s world-renowned javelin thrower. Yego gave Speed a brief lesson on technique before watching him attempt a throw of his own.
The light-hearted exchange blended sports, humour and star power, adding another viral clip to the stream.
Away from sports, Speed also immersed himself in Kenyan food culture. During the stream, he was seen cooking chapati and ugali, guided by locals as he attempted to flip chapatis and stir ugali over the heat.
He later sampled popular Kenyan dishes, including mukimo and nyama choma, reacting animatedly to the flavours.
Speed singled out nyama choma and ugali as his favourite combo, saying the pairing “goes crazy” and promising to eat it again before leaving the country.
