President William Ruto was overcome with emotion on Thursday morning, breaking down in tears during a meeting with Kenya’s world champions at State House, Nairobi.
In a rare moment that cut through the formalities of protocol, the usually composed head of state appeared visibly moved, his voice breaking as he addressed the athletes in the presence of Youth Affairs & Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya.
“I am pleased to welcome you back home after your historic performance at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan,” Ruto said before pulling out a handkerchief and blowing his nose.
He briefly stopped before continuing with a shaky voice.
“You must forgive me, this is an emotional moment, and I do not know why. And I must say congratulations to you people. Tuwapigie makofi tena hawa,” he added before resuming his speech.
“To be the second best in the whole world out of 198 countries is no mean achievement. This is an achievement we celebrate with pride and that we must emulate as a nation in everything we do.”
Kenyans online quickly shared mixed reactions, with some questioning the sincerity of the President’s tears.
One wrote: “It’s easy to get emotional when the cameras are rolling. How about showing that same passion for the lives affected by your policies—our soldiers returning from Haiti in makeshift coffins? Let’s not be fooled by a few tears.”
Another user, ToneeKim, defended him, “Truly our country is on the map because of our athletes. Congratulations to them. I wish Ruto can be a nationalist for the whole country and actually serve the people. It is always an honor to serve the country. I don’t know why they get greedy.”
The incident adds to a string of occasions when the Head of State has displayed emotion in public.
Shortly after being sworn in, Ruto fought back tears during a thanksgiving service at State House.
In 2013, as Deputy President, he broke down on the podium of Faith Evangelical Ministry in Karen during a service celebrating Jubilee’s election victory.
Just days before the August 2022 General Election, Ruto was again brought to tears during a church service at his official Karen residence, struggling to hold back emotion during a praise and worship session led by Bishop Mark Kariuki.