Shaquille O’Neal Meets Kenyan President Ruto Amid State Visit to the US

Shaquille O’Neal almost has a penchant for this. He appears to frequently come across prominent figures almost by chance. Just a year ago, the Big Aristotle sat with Australian President Anthony Albanese to talk about the government’s referendum on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament. His recent encounter with Kenyan President Ruto and the First Lady also has the netizens awestruck. William and Rachel Ruto began their historic US State visit on May 20. However, just upon their arrival in Atlanta, both landed upon the opportunity to meet the basketball legend, O’Neal. 

Both were present at the Martin Luther King Jnr National Historical Park in Atlanta. Upon meeting, the Los Angeles Lakers legend shared a few pleasantries with President Ruto. As the media released the clip, fans quickly began to reshare it on social media.

While the conversation wasn’t heard, both were seemingly delighted to meet each other and shook hands. Following this, President Ruto can be seen gently tapping the 7’1 tall giant’s shoulder as he and the First Lady posed alongside Shaquille O’Neal. For the Kenyan leader, this was his first state visit to the United States in twenty years. And it seems that the veteran will remember it for 20 more years to come.

However, O’Neal did it once again. The Los Angeles Lakers legend’s towering height made his important guests appear much shorter next to him. When the Big Aristotle takes on a serious role in front of guests, his fans step in to humor the rest. While some were thrilled to witness the interaction between the two, many noted the height difference between the President and O’Neal and commented on it. 

Next up, the President and his wife will visit Ebenezer Baptist Church and then head for the US health partnership meeting at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta. 

How important is this US State visit? 

As per the White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, this visit “will strengthen [the countries] shared commitment to advance peace and security, expand our economic ties, and stand together in defense of democratic values.”

The first two visits were made by President Daniel Arap Moi and President Mwai Kibaki in 1989 and 2003. President Ruto will aim to encourage multinational companies in the US to explore trade and investment opportunities in Kenya. From Infrastructure, ICT, and agriculture to renewable energy, new opportunities are abound in Kenya.

Furthermore, it will also encourage and strengthen the ties. The Kenyan leader and Preside Joe Biden will “discuss ways to bolster cooperation in areas including people-to-people ties, trade and investment, technological innovation, climate and clean energy, health, and security.”

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