President William Ruto arrived in Astana to a reception marked by ceremony, symbolism and high-level protocol, as Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev hosted one of the most elaborate state welcomes for a Kenyan leader.
The two-day state visit opened outside the Independence Palace, where President Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto were received in a formal military ceremony.
Uniformed guards lined the square as Kazakhstan’s presidential orchestra performed state anthems before the leaders proceeded to bilateral talks focused on agriculture, trade and technology cooperation.
Ruto addressed the talks in Astana, describing the visit as a milestone, noting it is the first official visit by a Kenyan president to Kazakhstan.
“Your Excellency, Mr President, let me first and foremost, on my own behalf and on behalf of my delegation, thank you very much for extending an invitation to me and for the warm and gracious welcome that we have received and the great hospitality extended to us on this very first maiden visit of a Kenyan president to your great country,” Ruto said.
On arrival, President Ruto was driven in a black Mercedes-Benz Maybach S600 Pullman Guard, a high-security luxury limousine limited to heads of state and global elites.
The nearly 6.5-metre vehicle moved through Astana’s boulevards under tight motorcade security.
The armoured limousine is designed to withstand high-calibre attacks and explosions, combining protection with luxury features including executive leather seating, a soundproof cabin, ambient lighting and onboard refrigeration.
It is powered by a 6.0-litre twin-turbo V12 engine producing more than 500 horsepower and is reported to cost over Sh155 million ($1.2m).
Ruto’s journey to Kazakhstan also drew attention due to the aircraft used.
He travelled from Kenya via London aboard the Boeing Business Jet 2 presidential aircraft, one of the world’s most expensive executive jets.
According to Global Charter, it costs an estimated Sh3.2 million per flight hour to operate and is fitted with private suites, luxury interiors and enhanced security systems.
Set against Astana’s modern skyline, the visit combined diplomacy with ceremony as Kenya seeks to deepen ties with the resource-rich Central Asian nation.
Ruto said the trip is aimed at strengthening cooperation in trade, investment and regional connectivity.
“I want to assure you that my visit here is deliberate and intentional to elevate the relationship between our two countries, to build on the relationship that already exists, and the trade and investment opportunities already underway between our two countries,” he said.
This, even as the country reels from the recently announced sky-high fuel prices that had spiralled into a two-day matatu strike.
Photos: Courtesy, PCS