Ruto enjoys trappings of power at The Hague as he returns after 10 years [Video]

President William Ruto has made a grand return to the Hague in the Netherlands, this time as the head of state and commander in chief of the Republic of Kenya. 

This is the first time Ruto has returned to the city since 2013 when he appeared at the International Criminal Court.

On Monday, May 2023, President Ruto was accorded a head of state treatment, riding with a convoy and outriders to meet with the King of the Royal Kingdom of the Netherlands, Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima at Noordeinde Palace in the Hague. 

Ruto's return to the Hague is a symbolic moment for him, as he was previously accused of crimes against humanity following the 2007-08 post-election violence and faced trial at the International Criminal Court (ICC).

READ: Photos: Ruto tours world-largest floating office in Rotterdam

However, his case was withdrawn in 2016 due to a lack of evidence.

"President William Samoei Ruto in the Hague, Netherlands. The last time he was there, he was an ICC suspect. Life and its moments," ICT CAS Dennis Itumbi captioned as he shared a video of Ruto's motorcade

During his meeting with the King, Ruto expressed his commitment to strengthening the relationship between Kenya and the Netherlands. 

In a statement released after the meeting, President Ruto emphasized the importance of expanding trade between Kenya and the Netherlands, particularly in the areas of horticultural products, tea and coffee, fruits, and fish.

He also expressed his desire to work with the Netherlands to advance Kenya's agenda for green growth and wildlife conservation.

President Ruto further noted the Netherlands' continued support for Kenya's efforts to develop arid and semi-arid lands, rural domestic water supply and sanitation, health, urban development, and agricultural research.

READ: ICC swings into action after receiving Azimio's letter

The meeting with King Willem-Alexander was the latest in a series of diplomatic engagements by President Ruto as part of his efforts to promote Kenya's interests and strengthen the country's relations with the international community.