A video has surfaced showing President William Ruto avoiding questions about the upcoming African Union Commission (AUC) Chairman election, where former Prime Minister Raila Odinga is a key candidate. The incident occurred as Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto arrived in Ethiopia on Friday, February 14, accompanied by a delegation of Kenyan dignitaries.
Citizen TV journalist Olive Burrows attempted to get a statement from the president regarding his thoughts ahead of the crucial vote. Positioned strategically among his security detail, Burrows asked, “How do you feel ahead of the votes?”
However, President Ruto, maintaining his pace, responded briefly, saying, “Relax. Wachana na story mingi. You wait. You wait. You will have an exclusive.” Without further engagement, he continued walking, leaving the journalist and onlookers without a clear stance on his position in the race.
The exchange has sparked mixed reactions online, with some netizens suggesting that the timing of Burrows’ inquiry was off, while others speculated that Ruto’s nonchalant response could signal unwavering support for Raila Odinga’s bid. Given the high stakes of the election and its implications for Kenya’s regional influence, Ruto’s stance on the matter remains a subject of national interest.
As the AUC election approaches, all eyes remain on the president to see whether he will publicly throw his weight behind Odinga or maintain his strategic silence. Meanwhile, political analysts continue to assess the potential impact of Raila’s candidacy on Kenya’s diplomatic standing within the African Union.
