US lawmaker criticizes decision to exclude Ruto from Congress address, calls for equal treatment

Mr. Neal, who is a Ranking Member of the Ways and Means Committee, compared the treatment of Kenya to that of other international partners, pointing out the disparity in congressional invitations extended to leaders from various countries.

Noting past joint meetings with leaders such as Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, President Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and President Yoon Suk Yeol, the Congressman argued that President Ruto deserved similar recognition.

"I see no reason why President William Ruto's upcoming state visit should be any different," Neal asserted, urging Congress to prioritize the strengthening of ties with Kenya. 

He recounted his discussions with former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, emphasizing the vast economic opportunities for collaboration between the two nations.

"I had the privilege of hosting former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, where we spoke about the great opportunities to strengthen relations between our two economies present, and since then, Kenya has only continued to demonstrate its commitment to reaffirming our 60-year partnership," added Neal.

With the Biden Administration setting a precedent by hosting a state dinner for President Ruto, Neal emphasized the need for Congress to follow suit. 

"Even in times of great tragedy and global conflict, the Congress has historically shown a depth of focus," he remarked, calling for recognition of the importance of President Ruto's visit amid current challenges.

In a statement on Saturday, Speaker Johnson's deputy chief of staff Raj Shah said the decision not to invite Ruto to address a joint session of congress was due to scheduling constraints.

Ruto would have been the first Kenyan leader to speak before a joint meeting of Congress and the first African leader to do so since Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in 2006.

A formal request had been issued to the United States Speaker of the House of Representatives to invite Ruto for the adress by House Foreign Affairs Committee Member Gregory Meeks and Committee Chairman Michael McCaul.