King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands commenced a three-day state visit to Kenya at the invitation of President William Ruto. The royal couple’s arrival was met with a 21-gun salute and an honor guard inspection at State House in Nairobi.

During their visit, King Willem-Alexander emphasized the importance of respecting human rights and maintaining good governance in Kenya. He remarked that both Kenyans and Dutch citizens value their rights as free individuals and the opportunity to have their voices heard. The King expressed appreciation for the chance to discuss these concerns during the visit.

In a gesture honoring Kenya’s history, the King and Queen laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior, paying tribute to those who contributed to the nation’s freedom and independence.

The visit also included the signing of Memoranda of Understanding in areas such as tourism, trade, security, agriculture, and fisheries, aiming to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.

Despite the official proceedings, the visit was overshadowed by controversy. Prior to the trip, over 20,000 Kenyans signed a petition urging the Dutch royals to cancel their visit, citing concerns over human rights abuses under President Ruto’s administration. Amnesty International also called on both nations to prioritize human rights and address recent violations during the visit.