Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja was reportedly chased out of President William Ruto’s plane on Sunday evening after attempting to join the president on a trip to China.
The plane was headed to Beijing for the ninth Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). Sakaja, who arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport alongside Azimio leader Raila Odinga, was allegedly blocked by the president’s security team, leaving only Raila to board the flight.
Eyewitnesses at the airport described the scene, with one source saying, “Sisi tuliona tu Sakaja akiskumwa asiingie kwa ndege,” which translates to “We just saw Sakaja being pushed away from entering the plane.”
The reasons behind Sakaja’s exclusion remain unclear, raising questions about the decision.
President Ruto is among several African heads of state attending the high-profile summit in Beijing, which runs from September 4-6, 2024. FOCAC serves as a key platform for enhancing the China-Africa partnership, focusing on economic cooperation and development under China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
All African nations, except Eswatini will participate in the forum.
This trip marks Ruto’s first international journey since Kenya experienced a wave of protests led by Gen Z activists.
The protests have added pressure on the government, making this diplomatic mission to China all the more critical as Ruto seeks to strengthen economic ties with one of Kenya’s most important partners.
Ruto’s last international trip outside Africa took place during the inaugural Korea-Africa summit on June 4, 2024.
His participation in the FOCAC summit highlights the importance of China-Africa relations at a time when many African countries, including Kenya, are looking to leverage this partnership for economic growth and infrastructure development.
