In a hurry? Here’s a quick summary…
- President William Ruto’s China trip faced backlash after the Kenyan flag was displayed upside down during an official meeting, raising concerns about protocol competency.
- The incident marks the third such occurrence recently, leading to widespread criticism and questioning of the government’s attention to detail.
President William Ruto’s trip to China has encountered an unexpected controversy, stirring concern among Kenyans.
The issue arose after the Kenyan flag was displayed upside down during a meeting with the President of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), Jin Liqun.
This error, shared by Ruto’s digital team through photos, has led to widespread criticism, with many questioning the competency of the protocol team responsible for such a glaring oversight.
On his second day in China, as President Ruto engaged in discussions with AIIB officials, the Kenyan flag was noticeably inverted, with the green stripe at the top instead of the black.
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This error has been widely regarded as a significant breach of protocol, especially during an international visit, where such symbols of national pride should be treated with utmost respect.
The incident has sparked a wave of criticism from Kenyans, who view this blunder as a reflection of the government’s carelessness.
Many are concerned that this could signal broader issues within the administration. Veteran journalist Ali Manzu was among the first to highlight the mistake, pointing out that this is not the first time such an error has occurred.
Other commentators noted that similar incidents have happened at least three times in recent months, raising questions about the effectiveness of the protocol team during these high-level trips.
Journalist Mwangi Maina echoed these concerns, emphasizing the importance of vigilance during international events.
He noted that the Kenyan flag is a powerful symbol of patriotism and national pride, and its improper display is unacceptable.
He cited previous instances where the flag was displayed upside down, including during the IGAD summit in Djibouti and the NAM summit in Kampala, both of which had high-level Kenyan officials in attendance.
Grace Kitheka, another critic, suggested that the upside-down flag might symbolize the current state of the country, with its priorities seemingly misplaced.
She pointed to ongoing issues within Kenya, such as struggling schools, hospitals, and universities, which have been overshadowed by the government’s focus on securing Chinese loans.
The persistence of this protocol breach has led many to question the role of those responsible for overseeing such details.
Maina emphasized that as part of a visiting delegation, it is crucial to be vigilant and ensure that all protocol is followed correctly.
The repeated occurrences of this mistake have led to growing frustration among Kenyans, who feel that the government is not paying attention to important details, both domestically and internationally.
The issue of the upside-down flag has also been a point of discussion in other contexts, including in the United States, where it has been used as a symbol of protest and distress.
However, the meaning behind the upside-down Kenyan flag remains unclear. What is apparent is that many Kenyans see this as indicative of a broader problem within the government, where carelessness and a lack of attention to detail seem to be prevalent.
As the controversy continues, there has been little response from the President or his team regarding the repeated flag mishaps.
Public relations expert Bernard Aloo criticized the protocol team’s handling of the flag, calling it a major breach and a mockery of Kenya’s national symbol.
The lack of explanation or apology from the involved leaders has only fueled further dissatisfaction among Kenyans, who feel that their concerns are being ignored by those in power.