Neighboring Nations Give Kenya@60 Celebration a Miss: Are Our Allies Avoiding Us?

The decision of leaders from neighboring and foreign nations to skip the Republic Day celebrations in Nairobi has raised questions about their stance on Kenya First policies.

This contrasts with President William Ruto, who has frequently used invitations to visit various nations, both in Africa and abroad.

On Sunday, the government, through Interior Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo, announced that three foreign leaders would attend the 60th Republic Day celebrations at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi.

While the leaders and their countries were not disclosed, it was expected that at least some of them would be from the East African Community (EAC), considering the economic and social ties with Kenya.

However, none of the leaders, including EAC Chairman President Salvar Kiir of South Sudan, attended the event.

Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko, who visited the country on Monday evening, also did not attend the celebrations. According to the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), Lukashenko met with President Ruto at the Nairobi State House and was expected to attend the Republic Day celebrations.

“Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko and his Ethiopian counterpart Sahle Work Zewde have already arrived in the country as guests of President William Ruto at the celebrations marking 60 years of independence,” KBC stated. However, the State House did not confirm whether he was invited to the event, and he did not appear at Uhuru Gardens, where the celebrations were held.

Unlike Ruto, who prefers attending invitations personally in foreign countries, some neighboring leaders delegated lower-ranking officials to represent them. Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu delegated Zanzibar President Ali Mwinyi, citing flooding caused by El Nino rains in the southern part of the country.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, who was invited but didn’t attend, sent Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga, while Burundi President Évariste Ndayishimiye was represented by Vice President Prosper Bazombanza. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed maintained the tradition of sending President Sahle-Work Zewde to represent him.

Diplomatic expert James Waki notes that leaders don’t necessarily have to attend invitations personally, as they can choose to send representatives. However, their personal presence carries significant weight in showcasing the strength of their relationship with the inviting country.

Yesterday, President Ruto reiterated that starting January, Kenya will open its doors to citizens from African countries, and they will not need visas to enter the country.