Gachagua takes charge ahead of ‘Maandamano Monday’ as Ruto leaves for Europe – Kenya Satellite News Network

President William Ruto left the country on Sunday, March 26, 2023 for a four-day visit to the Federal Republic of Germany and the Kingdom of Belgium, respectively.

“President William Ruto is on a four-day visit to the Federal Republic of Germany and the Kingdom of Belgium, respectively,” said parliament spokesman Hussein Muhammad in a statement.

Hussein wrote on Twitter that the president’s trip will focus on “renewable energy, green manufacturing and trade”.

Ruto will hold talks aimed at strengthening bilateral relations with President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

During the president’s absence, Vice President Regathi Gachagwa takes charge as the country prepares to welcome another “Monday”, when Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Alliance is expected to lead nationwide demonstrations to protest the rising cost of living and call for “electoral justice” among other grievances .

Gachagua has declared on several occasions that he does not condone the “destructive demonstrations” called for by opposition politician Raila Odinga and his Azimio la Umoja One Kenya political coalition.

“This old man Tota deal with him once and for all. “Let him go and go,” an exasperated Gachagua said last week.

“We will not allow the destruction of property under the pretext of demonstrations,” Gachagua said.

While in Germany, Ruto will also deliver a keynote speech at the Energy Transition Dialogue in Berlin, outlining energy security challenges amid the deepening climate crisis and the push for investment in renewable energy, according to a State Council statement.

In Berlin, the president will meet President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in talks aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between Kenya and Germany.

President Ruto will also deliver a keynote address at the Energy Transition Dialogue in Berlin, highlighting energy security challenges amid the deepening climate crisis and the push for investment in renewable energy, in Kenya and Africa.

Kenya will also explore partnering with Germany on the youth agenda, specifically in vocational education and training.

In Brussels, the President will meet Alexandre de Croo, Prime Minister of Belgium, and discuss areas of mutual interest including, health, addressing Kenya’s food security and drought response, climate action, and trade and investment.

Ruto will also be engaging with EU leadership, including HE Charles Michel, President of the Council of the European Union and Her Excellency Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the meeting will reinforce Kenya’s commitment to the strategic dialogue between Kenya and the European Union, to deepen the partnership between Kenya and the European Union, within the framework of the three main pillars of peace, security and stability; sustainable and comprehensive development; Economy, trade and investment.

Senior government officials saw Ruto off at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

Last week, Odinga announced that his supporters would demonstrate every Monday and Thursday until their grievances were met.