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As the curtains close on 2024, President William Ruto has remained at the centre of Kenya’s political discourse, making headlines with bold decisions, high-profile engagements, and significant controversies.
Here are 10 key moments from Ruto’s presidency this year:
1. U.S. State Visit
President William Ruto's state visit to the United States in May 2024 marked a significant moment in Kenya-U.S. relations.
It was the first state visit by a Kenyan leader in 16 years and the first by any African leader since 2008.
Welcomed with full honours, he held bilateral talks with President Joe Biden, focusing on trade, technology, and security partnerships.
The visit also facilitated the signing of deals worth $250 billion, including a commitment from Coca-Cola for an investment plan worth $150 million aimed at expanding its operations in Kenya over the next five years
The visit culminated in a state dinner hosted by President Joe Biden at the White House.
2. Haiti Multinational Security Mission
In a groundbreaking move, Ruto became the first Kenyan president to visit Haiti.
His trip followed the deployment of Kenyan police to lead a UN-backed mission aimed at restoring order in the Caribbean nation.
His trip aimed to assess the deployment of Kenyan police forces in Haiti, which is part of a multinational effort to restore order amid escalating gang violence.
During his visit, Ruto praised the nearly 400 Kenyan police officers currently stationed in Haiti for their efforts in combating gang-related violence and enhancing security.
He claimed that their presence has led to improvements in the security situation, allowing displaced Haitians to return home.
3. Cabinet Reshuffles: July and December
In 2024, President William Ruto reshuffled his cabinet twice in a strategic effort to address political challenges and growing public unrest.
The first reshuffle in July focused on inclusivity, with Ruto appointing four members from the opposition Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
This move was seen as an attempt to ease tensions following violent protests over proposed tax hikes, which had claimed dozens of lives.
The December reshuffle brought more significant changes, including allies of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, signalling Ruto’s effort to solidify support from the Mt. Kenya region, which had shown signs of dissatisfaction with his leadership.
With the National Assembly set to vet the new appointees in early 2025, the full impact of these changes remains to be seen.
4. Impeaching Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua
One of the most dramatic moments of the year was the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
The fallout, rooted in allegations of corruption and political disagreements, culminated in a heated parliamentary process.
The move underscored Ruto’s willingness to assert his authority but also deepened divisions within his coalition.
His ousting also led to the appointment of a new Deputy President, Prof. Abraham Kithure Kindiki.
Ruto said that he had felt like a "lonely voice" in the presidency and hoped Kindiki would provide the support he needed.
5. Meeting with Uhuru Kenyatta in Gatundu
In a rare and unexpected moment, Ruto met with his predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta, at the former president’s Gatundu home.
The meeting fueled speculation about a potential reconciliation and a shared agenda for national unity, even as critics questioned the timing and motives behind the gesture.
It was their first direct engagement since the contentious 2022 elections, although they had met briefly in Embu a month earlier for a religious ceremony.
The discussions between the two leaders focused on various national and regional issues, signalling a potential thaw in their previously strained relationship.
6. Gen Z Protests
Ruto faced mounting pressure from Kenya’s youth, with Gen Z protests dominating headlines in June and July.
The demonstrations, which began on June 18 in Nairobi, quickly spread nationwide, fueled by frustrations over economic inequality, corruption, and perceived government mismanagement.
Initially focused on rejecting the Finance Bill 2024, the protests expanded to address broader issues such as accountability, public resource management, and political inclusion.
While many protests remained peaceful, tensions escalated in some areas such as Nairobi, leading to violent clashes with police and the invasion of Parliament.
Reports indicated that at least 60 people lost their lives during the demonstrations, with the most intense confrontations occurring on June 25.
In response to sustained pressure, the government eventually withdrew the Finance Bill.
However, the protests had already evolved into a broader movement calling for governance reforms and transparency.
7. State of the Nation Address
In his annual State of the Nation address, Ruto focused on achievements in infrastructure, healthcare, and education. However, the biggest news from the address was the cancelation of engagement between the government and Adani Group which targeted the renovation of JKIA and a Sh95.68 billion deal for the construction of electricity transmission lines.
8. Ruto vs. Church Clergy
A heated exchange between Ruto and members of the clergy became a defining moment of 2024.
Some churches also rejected donations from President Ruto.
The clergy criticised his administration for neglecting the plight of ordinary citizens, while Ruto accused some church leaders of politicising religion.
The public spat raised questions about the role of faith in governance and Ruto’s relationship with religious institutions.
9. Meeting U.S. and U.K. Intelligence Chiefs
In September, Ruto held confidential discussions with intelligence chiefs from the U.S. and U.K., signalling heightened international collaboration on security.
Topics reportedly included counterterrorism, cyber threats, and regional stability. The meeting demonstrated Kenya’s pivotal role in global intelligence networks.
10. International trips
In 2024, Kenyan President William Ruto has made 18 international trips as of late December.
His travels include visits to various countries for significant events and summits, reflecting his administration's focus on enhancing Kenya's diplomatic relations and economic opportunities.