Watch how Kenya president used Kwame Nkrumah quote during CNN interview

Kenyan President William Ruto used a quote attributed to Ghana's first president, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, in a recent interview on CNN.

The quote in question is “we neither face East nor West: we face forward,” which according to the 1967 book, Axioms of Kwame Nkrumah, was used by Nkrumah at a conference in Accra in April 1960.

Ruto was answering a question on Kenya’s preference if given a single choice between the United States and China in terms of investments.

Ruto, who just concluded a visit to the US, said Kenya was facing forward.

CNN journalist Richard Quest’s exchange with Ruto started with the question: “If a choice is made between investment by China and investment by the United States, in companies, which would you prefer?”

Ruto fired back: “Many people want to pull us into a conversation as to whether we are facing East or we are facing West. Let me tell you, we are neither facing East nor West, we are facing forward, because that is where the opportunities are.

“We are working in a manner to ensure what Africa, for example in Kenya, 90% of our grid is green, which is why we are working with Microsoft to put together the first one gigawatt data centre.

“We are looking at where our opportunities are and we are working with those who can help us unlock those opportunities, make them into investments, create jobs, create wealth and take Kenya to the next level as we take Africa in the same direction,” he added.

Ruto, over the weekend, concluded a four-day official visit to the United States, the first for an African leader in decades.

Richard Quest attempted to pin down Ruto on his choice btw US & China.

Ruto was in his elements 😂

“Many people want to pull us into a conversation on whether we are facing East or West. We are neither facing East nor West…We’re looking at where our opportunities are and with… pic.twitter.com/wiDp7bvNaq

— Kenya West (@KinyanBoy) May 25, 2024