Embakasi North Member of Parliament Hon. James Gakuya has expressed concerns over President William Ruto’s silence on the election of Donald John Trump as the 45th and 47th President of the United States of America.
Speaking to TV 47 on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, Hon. Gakuya questioned why President Ruto failed to publicly acknowledge Trump’s victory and warned that this silence could have economic repercussions for Kenya.
According to the TV 47 report, Hon. Gakuya highlighted that while many world leaders congratulated President Trump after his inauguration, President Ruto’s silence was conspicuous.
The MP speculated that the decision could harm Kenya’s economic relations with the U.S., noting that such actions or lack thereof might create diplomatic tensions and affect trade agreements crucial to the country’s development.
“Unfortunately, I did not see President William Ruto recognizing the election of Trump. As other leaders were sending congratulatory messages, I did not see his. That might injure us,” Hon. Gakuya remarked during the interview.
The MP emphasized the importance of maintaining strong international partnerships, particularly with a global superpower like the United States.
He cautioned that failing to nurture such relationships could hinder Kenya’s progress on key economic and developmental fronts.
Hon. Gakuya also addressed the behavior of some political leaders who have become vocal defenders of President Ruto’s controversial decisions.
He urged these individuals to consider the impact of their rhetoric on the public and to avoid inciting negative reactions in an attempt to please the President.
“There is nothing wrong with making the King happy; everyone wants to be happy. However, the issue lies in the choice of words or incitement by some political leaders to please the king,” Hon. Gakuya added.
TV 47 noted that Gakuya’s comments reflect a growing discontent among some leaders regarding the President’s diplomatic strategy and domestic governance.
The media outlet highlighted the potential fallout of Ruto’s perceived misstep in failing to recognize Trump’s victory, especially in light of Kenya’s reliance on strong international alliances.
Hon. Gakuya’s remarks have added to the ongoing debate over the administration’s priorities and communication strategies.
