NAIROBI, Kenya – In a bold show of support for U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent policy changes, Kenyan President William Ruto praised Trump’s decision to recognize only two genders – male and female – and roll back policies advancing LGBTQ+ rights.
Speaking at a church service in Nairobi on Sunday, Ruto applauded the shift, aligning it with Kenya’s cultural and religious values.
President Trump’s administration made waves early in the year by repealing a series of executive orders from his predecessor, Joe Biden, that championed LGBTQ+ rights.
Trump openly announced US policy’s are now sticking back to 2 genders ‼️😳
Among the most controversial changes, Trump issued new policies that effectively recognize only two genders, reversing the push for broader gender inclusion.
For Ruto, this was a welcome return to what he sees as fundamental principles.
“As a leading democracy, we have come to understand that the policy direction of the United States supports what we believe in,” he said.
The president added, “boys must remain boys, men must remain men, women must remain women, and girls must remain girls.”
This statement reflects the strong influence of traditional values in Ruto’s leadership style, which aligns with many Kenyans’ religious and cultural beliefs.
Despite the controversial nature of Trump’s gender recognition stance, Ruto acknowledged the United States as a key partner to Kenya.
“The USA is a blessing to our nation, and we work together in many aspects,” he said.
The praise highlights the long-standing cooperation between the two nations in areas ranging from trade to security.
Ruto’s comments come at a time when both nations are recalibrating their respective political landscapes.
While Kenya’s political and cultural climate heavily influences Ruto’s support for Trump’s gender policies, the U.S.-Kenya partnership continues to flourish in areas where the two nations find common ground.
Trump’s policy rollback also includes an aggressive stance against the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives introduced during Biden’s presidency.
In a fiery critique, Trump described these programs as “illegal and immoral,” accusing them of discriminating against white men. On January 20, Trump rescinded 78 executive orders, including those focused on gender diversity initiatives and federal diversity programs.
These actions have sparked debate on both sides of the political spectrum, with critics warning of a dangerous erosion of inclusivity in federal agencies, while supporters argue that DEI programs unfairly benefit certain groups.
President Ruto’s support highlights a shared cultural outlook, reinforcing the idea that global leadership often comes down to more than just policy—it’s about values, beliefs, and the vision of what societies hold dear.
