NAIROBI, Kenya Jun 17 – Professor Makau Mutua has defended President William Ruto’s attendance at the G7 Summit, dismissing criticism from sections of Kenyans who have questioned the significance of Kenya’s presence at the high-level global meeting.
Mutua, who serves as President Ruto’s Advisor on Constitutional Affairs, said being invited to the summit was a major recognition for Kenya on the international stage.
“It’s one of the greatest honors to be invited to the G7 summit. Haters can self-administer hemlock!” Mutua wrote on X.
His remarks came after debate erupted online, with some Kenyans arguing that Ruto’s participation at the summit did not bring meaningful benefits to the country and portrayed Kenya as aligning too closely with powerful nations.
However, supporters of the President pointed to images and videos showing Ruto engaging with world leaders at the summit, saying the visit highlighted Kenya’s growing diplomatic influence.
“One thing about Ruto is that no stage is too big for him. No challenge is greater. Nothing is inconceivable. Always prepared. Give him the mic, and he will deliver. No one has marketed Kenya so highly like Ruto. Absolute defiance,” one user on X said.
The G7 Summit brings together some of the world’s most influential economies and provides a platform for discussions on global growth, trade, technology, climate change and international cooperation.
During the summit, Ruto held talks with several global leaders, pushing Kenya’s agenda on investment, technology, trade and Africa’s role in the global economy.
Mutua argued that Kenya’s presence at such forums should be viewed as an opportunity rather than a weakness.
The debate has once again placed Kenya’s foreign policy and international partnerships at the center of public discussion, with supporters saying global engagements can help attract investments and open new opportunities.
Critics, however, continue to question whether such international appearances translate into direct benefits for ordinary Kenyans.
