Mike Johnson slammed for denying Kenyan President opportunity to address joint meeting of Congress

WASHINGTON, D.C.: House Speaker Mike Johnson’s decision to decline to host Kenyan President William Ruto for a joint meeting of Congress has sparked criticism from the Congressional Black Caucus, according to MSNBC.

During their meeting with President Ruto on Wednesday, May 22, the caucus expressed disapproval of Johnson's actions, citing the traditional practice of extending such invitations to world leaders.

Notably, Speaker Johnson plans to invite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to speak at the Capitol, a move that has garnered backlash amidst international condemnation of Israel's military actions in the Gaza Strip.

What did Congressional Black Caucus say about Speaker Johnson’s snub of Kenyan President?

According to USA Today, President William Ruto's address at the joint meeting of Congress would have been the first of its kind delivered by an African leader in almost twenty years.

More than sixty members of the Congressional Black Caucus demanded in a letter to Johnson that Ruto be "treated with the same respect granted to other heads of state."

They also forewarned him that the absence of an invitation "diminishes the importance of our nation's relationship with the continent of Africa" and sends a dangerous message about which nations are deemed "worthy of addressing Congress."

Johnson's office explained to the aforementioned outlet that the lack of an invitation for the Kenyan President was caused by a scheduling conflict.

“We offered the Kenyan embassy over 90 minutes of engagement including a one-on-one visit with Speaker Johnson, bipartisan leadership meeting with Speaker Johnson, Leader Jeffries, and Committee Chairmen and Ranking Members, and a bicameral meeting,” the Speaker’s office clarified.

It was President Joe Biden who had extended the invitation to President William Ruto to visit the White House for an official state visit, including a state dinner as well.

The youngest and fastest-growing population in the world can be found on the African continent, which also holds abundant resources essential for the high-tech revolution.

African leaders are increasingly cautious of U.S. imperialism and benevolent despotism, with some countries showing interest in forming partnerships with China and Russia.

This trend emphasizes the need for the United States to establish significant engagement with African nations and avoid assuming that its leaders will be satisfied with superficial meetings and photo ops.

Moreover, this situation highlights that while many Democrats, including President Biden, seem to have recognized this necessity, the same cannot be said for Republicans who are on the other side of the political divide.

Mike Johnson snubbed for declining the opportunity to Kenyan President

One X user claimed, "Could it be due to Kenya's vote for Palestine recognition that has annoyed this American Zionist."

Another user remarked, "You expect a black man to speak to republicans."

Another user wrote, "I think Johnson is taking after toxic Kenya politics.Hi ni Siasa.Johnson and his Republican losers including Trump are behind all these."

One user alleged, "What do you expect from a racist? I bet if it was Viktor Orban, he would have catered to him."

Another X user said, "USA has revealed its true colors to the world by supporting the genocide committed by Israel in Gaza and refusing to address it in its congress. This discrimination extends to African or Black leaders, whom they ignore, while favoring white or Western leaders. What blatant racism."

Finally, this user tweeted, "Speaker Johnson messed up big time!!"

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