Presidential bromance! Ruto and Ethiopia’s Abiy display rare 'bestie' connection

Upon his arrival in Kenya on Tuesday, amidst a pounding rain, the Ethiopian leader was photographed angling to shake Ruto's hand as the latter also appeared visibly exuberant, both wearing wide smiles as they outstretched their arms towards each other.

One wouldn't need to be a body language expert to judge the closeness between the two leaders as they both didn't bother hiding their obvious affinity to each other.

And in a clear break of tradition, Ruto himself was on hand to receive Abiy, unlike other instances where senior government figures are normally dispatched to receive high-profile guests at the airport.

As the duo was leaving the airport lounge for State House, their bromance was also visibly evident as they appeared to be lost in a deep chat, both engrossed and wearing the same hearty smiles.

The following day, the duo stepped out wearing matching kaunda suits as they both headed to various engagements across the country.

The duo's enviable friendship has been touted by several top personalities including Dennis Itumbi who, on his Instagram page, shared a photo mashup of the two beginning from their initial meetings back in 2022 to 2023 when they can both be seen cheeringly sharing an umbrella.

The online community, too, did not fail to notice the standout fellowship, with many making observatory comments about the entire Presidential affair.

BBC journalist Waihiga Mwaura noticed the warmth, saying, "Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed begins his state visit to Kenya. He was, in a rare gesture, received at the airport by his host President William Ruto. Plenty of talking points expected from the press briefing on Wednesday morning..."

"They look genuinely happy at each other. If only African leaders would prioritize the welfare of their citizens, everyone would be this happy," another X user noted.

On her part, Karen Mungai said, "I've never seen Ruto so animated to meet anyone. Not even President Biden. Here, he looks so at home, so at peace, he's literally met his long lost homeboy. Only the walls can tell what the two were conversing about."

In the early years of the Jubilee administration, Kenyans also didn't fail to notice the very obvious bromance between now-President Ruto and former President Uhuru Kenyatta.

At one point, during the naming of their cabinet, the duo appeared in matching red ties, even folding up their shirt sleeves in unison.