PHOTOS: Maybach ride, Guard of Honour; Ruto receives king-like reception in Kazakhstan
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.
