Ruto cancels event appearance amid protests

President William Ruto at a past function. [FILE, Standard]

President William Ruto has cancelled his attendance at the opening ceremony of the Global Peace Leadership Conference, held at Radisson Blu Hotel in Upper Hill, Nairobi.

Event organisers cited the countrywide anti-tax protests, which significantly impacted Nairobi, as the reason for the decision.

"In light of the events over the last two days in Kenya, the loss of lives, and the casualties of the protests at Parliament on June 25, 2024, we have decided to cancel the opening ceremony," read the statement. "The President of Kenya, Dr. William Ruto, will not be in attendance."

Ruto was expected to deliver a keynote address to delegates from across Africa and around the world.

The conference provides a platform to discuss promoting peace, development, and cooperation among nations.

The event, running from June 25 to June 27, features speakers including First Lady Rachel Ruto, ODM leader Raila Odinga, Former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, Education CS Ezekiel Machogu, and Prof PLO Lumumba.

Prior to the event, a section of protestors had threatened to storm the venue to express their frustrations to the president.

Lawyer Miguna Miguna shared a poster on X confirming President Ruto’s attendance, urging protestors to gather at Radisson Blu on June 25 and 26.

It remains unclear whether the president will attend the upcoming Nyanza International Investment Conference, where he is scheduled to be the chief guest. The event is planned for June 28 to June 29.