Kuria urges Ruto to steer clear of LGBTQ debate on US tour

Public Service CS Moses Kuria. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

Public Service and Delivery Management Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria, has cautioned President William Ruto against supporting homosexuality during his US state visit.

Speaking during a funds drive for St Paul's ACK College in Nandi county on Sunday, the CS welcomed the invitation of the president to the White House, where he will be hosted by President Joe Biden for a bilateral meeting.

Kuria said President Ruto's state visit to the US is significant and will mark more than 60 years of diplomatic ties between the United States of America and Kenya.

"It will be auspicious state visit for another African president to be hosted in the White House after more than a decade, and this gives President Ruto an opportunity to negotiate for bilateral cooperation, trade among other developments, on behalf of Kenyan citizens," he said.

The CS said Kenyans are only concerned with ties that will promote development between the two countries, and the president has the blessings of all leaders to lobby for partnership in areas of mutual interest.

"What we cannot agree with the US is the marriage between couples of the same sex. We are urging the president not to accept policies condoning homosexuality that may be advanced into Kenya, such vices are not African and not accepted in our religions," he said.

President Ruto, alongside First Lady Rachel Ruto, is expected in Washington between May 23 and 24 for a state visit and a series of meetings on business ties and development progress in Africa.