Excitement As Ruto Poses For Photo With US Staff Sergeant With Kenyan Bracelet: "Huyu Ni Wetu"

• Social media buzzed with excitement as a photo of President William Ruto and a US Staff Sergeant sporting a Kenyan bracelet surfaced online
• Ruto, currently on a diplomatic tour of the United States, visited Arlington National Cemetery to pay his respects to fallen soldiers
• He was seen posing with several military officers, one of whom stands out not just for his official regalia but for a small, yet significant detail

Kenyans on social media were abuzz with excitement after a photo of President William Ruto posing with an American Staff Sergeant wearing a Kenyan bracelet went viral.

Where did Ruto meet the sergeant?

Ruto, who is on a diplomatic tour of the US, visited Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia to pay his respects to fallen soldiers, where he later posed for photos with several officers.

In images shared on his Facebook page, President Ruto is seen with the Staff Sergeant, who is dressed in full military regalia.

However, what caught the attention of Kenyans online was not the officer's numerous decorations or badges but the beaded bracelet on his wrist.

The bracelet, adorned with the colours of the Kenyan flag, is a popular symbol of patriotism among Kenyans living abroad.

US sergeant spots Kenyan bracelet

"We honour the U.S. Military for defending and serving their nation with diligence. Through their sacrifice, we have a freer and better world for everyone," Ruto captioned the photos.

"At the Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, we paid our respects to the United States of America’s fallen heroes," he added.

The sight of the Kenyan bracelet on the American officer's wrist resonated deeply with Kenyans, sparking a wave of pride and joy across social media platforms.

Many praised the Staff Sergeant for his apparent solidarity with Kenya, interpreting the gesture as a mark of respect and recognition of Kenyan heritage.

What is the role of a staff sergeant?

TUKO.co.ke spoke to Patrick Maluki, the chairman of the Department of Diplomacy and International Studies at the University of Nairobi, who elaborated on the position and role of a staff sergeant (SSG).

According to the chairman, a staff sergeant commands a squad of nine to 10 Soldiers.

Often, a staff sergeant will have one or more sergeants under his or her leadership.

He further pointed out that staff sergeants are responsible for developing, maintaining, and utilising a Soldier’s full potential.

"Staff Sergeant is the seventh rank in the United States Army, ranking above Sergeant and directly below Sergeant First Class," pointed out Maluki.

"A Staff Sergeant is most often promoted from Sergeant (SGT), although promotion from lower paygrades may occur with sufficient display of leadership and experience," he added.

Netizens react to viral photo

Khwa Mwangale shared:

"Brilliant, the bracelet is our identity to the outside world."

Ken K Andrews said:

"This is ours for sure . Kenya to the world. We shine,"

Paul Absalom wrote:

"Kabisa a True Patriot and much respect to Him."

Jontez Masha shared:

"In Africa kenya is among the countries with the best brains and talents. Congratulations to our own."

El Magnifco Kefa joked:

"Huyu nikama aliona upus kutoa za chai hapa akaenda apply Jeshi Yues."

Zee La Kubofya thought:

"And he might have tried to join Kenya Defence Forces then wakamkataa juu hakuwa na god father, everything works together for ua good indeed."

Kibwana Kibwana expressed:

"If he would be here he could have not gotten the chance in KDF plus even if he could then he wouldn't have grown this way in ranks."

Ruto's daughters step out stylishly

Earlier, Ruto's daughters left netizens in awe with their fashion sense.

US First Lady Jill Biden officially received Ruto and his wife Rachel as they arrived at Andrews Air Force Base in Washington, DC.

The first family was received with full ceremonial state honours, highlighting the diplomatic ties between the two nations.

Rachel wore a stylish kitenge with the Kenyan flag colours, and her daughters did not disappoint.

Kenyans on social media have commended Ruto's daughters for their stylish looks, noting that they have a great sense of fashion.

What you need to know about Ruto's trip to the US

• After touring Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, Ruto apologised to one of his daughters.
• Photos of the first family at the Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta, Georgia, went viral on social media, and Kenyans quickly noticed Charlene was missing in the family portraits.
• According to Trade Cabinet Secretary (CS) Rebecca Miano, Kenya will pitch over 30 business ideas to prospective investors to close deals worth over $20.5 billion (KSh 2.69 trillion).
• The president also unleashed his romantic side after he was spotted severally holding his wife's hand while in the US.

Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura Guthua, journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke