President William Ruto has withdrawn from the Global Peace Leadership Conference scheduled to take place this week in Nairobi. Organizers announced his withdrawal on Wednesday, citing undisclosed reasons for the sudden change in plans.
The summit, set to run from Tuesday, June 25, through Thursday, June 27, was designed to bring together delegates from around the world to “explore and discuss ways to promote peace, development, and cooperation,” according to its promotional materials.
President Ruto was expected to deliver a keynote address on Wednesday, a highlight anticipated by many attendees. His absence raises questions about the leadership and direction of the summit, though organizers have assured that the conference will proceed as planned.
In a statement, the conference organizers expressed their disappointment but affirmed their commitment to the event’s objectives. “While we regret the absence of President Ruto, the mission of the Global Peace Leadership Conference remains steadfast. We continue to aim for meaningful dialogue and collaborative efforts toward global peace and development.”
Despite the change, the conference has already seen a range of speakers and panel discussions, with topics spanning conflict resolution, sustainable development, and international cooperation. Delegates from various countries have shared their insights and proposed solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
The absence of President Ruto may shift the focus to the contributions of other notable figures and organizations present at the conference. It remains to be seen how this development will impact the overall outcomes and agreements formed during the summit.
As the conference continues through Thursday, participants remain hopeful that the discussions and collaborations fostered during the event will lead to tangible progress in the pursuit of global peace and cooperation.