DP Ruto heads to Brazil for Rio Olympics

Deputy President William Ruto leaves the country Wednesday night for Rio De Janeiro, Brazil to join the Kenyan team at the ongoing Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

The DP is expected to depart Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) at 9pm, according to a communiqué from the Deputy President Press Service (DPPS).

Kenya is participating in seven sports disciplines that include athletics, boxing, archery, judo, weightlifting, rugby and swimming.

Kenya is the reigning World International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) champions, a feat she achieved last year in Beijing, China that puts her as the first African country to be crowned World Athletics Champions.

“The Deputy President’s visits to Brazil will not only boost the morale of the Kenyan team but will signal to the Brazilian government that Kenya values their relationship,” read the statement in part.

“Brazil considers Kenya important partners in the East African region having established a resident diplomatic mission in Nairobi in 1967, whereas Kenya opened an Embassy in Brasilia in October 2006.”

Eighteen agreements have so far been signed between Kenya and Brazil in various sectors including agriculture, energy, infrastructure development, education, air services, and social protection among others.