President William Ruto landed in China on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, to commence his state visit in that Asian country.
After landing at Beijing Danxing International Airport, Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga was among the leaders who made headlines as being among the top leaders who accompanied the head of state on his five-day state visit.
As is his tradition since assuming power, Ruto was flanked by First Lady Rachel Ruto and was welcomed to the Asian country by China’s Transport Minister Liu Wei.
Ruto’s delegation
Ruto travelled with a delegation of over 10 officials from Kenya to China. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who also doubles up as Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary, was among the first officials to land in China to prepare for Ruto’s visit.
However, in subsequent meetings, his delegation has been revealed, which includes cabinet secretaries, principal secretaries, MPs and senators.
Transport CS Davis Chirchir, his Trade counterpart Lee Kinyanjui and ICT’s William Kabogo were among those who accompanied him to various discussions with different groups in China.
Senator Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot and his National Assembly counterpart Kimani Ichung’wah were also part of Ruto’s delegation. Member of Parliament for Belgut, Nelson Koech, the Chairperson of the Departmental Committee on Defense and Foreign Relations, was also present.
Others
Solicitor General Shadrack Mose, who rarely makes public appearance, was among Ruto’s delegation and joined him during his engagement with Kenyans living and working in China.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei led the other delegation of top Kenyan officials in Ruto’s state visit to China. Others were Transport PS Mohamed Daghar, TVET PS Esther Thaara Muoria, Tourism PS John Ololtuaa, Water PS Julius Korir and ICT PS.
While addressing Kenyans in China, Ruto also recognised Principal Secretary, State Department for Diaspora Affairs, Roselyn Njogu, crediting her with playing a key role in advancing Kenya’s ambition abroad.
Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy Dennis Itumbi and Deputy Chief of Staff Josphat Nanok were also captured in various photos and videos shared by the head of state.
Ruto’s previous visits to China were in October 2023 for the Third Road and Belt Forum and in September 2024 for the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
President Ruto is expected to meet President Xi Jinping, and their talks are expected to centre around China’s investment in Kenya’s critical infrastructural projects, strengthening of the Global South cooperation, regional peace and security, and other issues of global concern.
China has played a crucial role in delivering some of Kenya’s infrastructure projects, among them the Standard Gauge Railway, Nairobi Expressway, Lamu Port, and the Kipevu Oil Terminal.