Ruto to UNEA delegates: I introduce you to the Baboon parliament in Naivasha

President William Ruto on Thursday put his waggish persona to use as he recommended some of the best destinations to visit for delegates present at the ongoing 6th session of the United Nation's Environment Assembly (UNEA-6).

While delivering his speech at Gigiri in Nairobi, President Ruto commended the respective leaders for the work well done in championing for sustainable development.

Ruto therefore noted that the individuals deserve a holiday after the summit, further recommending a plethora of options on the sites to visit during their excursions.

Starting closer to the capital, Ruto mentioned the vast Nairobi National Park which he said will be a perfect option to see wild animals.

" I however want to warn you that we have a fence there but sometimes the lions break out," he joked.

He further noted that in Naivasha, a democratic troop of baboons holds regular meetings where they get to discuss on legislative matters.

"...You will find a phenomenal called the baboon parliament where baboons meet at a particular place, time and they discuss their legislative issues," he said as the crowd guffawed.

President Ruto also recommended a trip to the Maasai Mara where the impressive wildebeest migration occurs, a journey to Lamu where there are "swimming lions" and "the whales migration in a place called Tana River".

The wisecrack aside, Ruto called for the need to enhance policy coordination in implementing Multilateral Environmental Agreements and effectively address the global environmental challenges.

He also urged the UN General Assembly to secure new, substantial, and reliable funding from its regular budget to provide consistent and sustainable support for the United Nations Environment Programme's (UNEP) crucial work.

"I appeal to donors to increase their voluntary contributions, recognizing the urgent and vast scope of current environmental challenges," said Ruto.

While lauding the UNEP for its role in the intergovernmental negotiations for the global plastic treaty, Ruto stated that the secretariat of the treaty should be headquartered at UNEP, Nairobi.