President William Ruto has attracted criticism after a video emerged showing him among African leaders queuing to receive ice cream from Russian President Vladimir Putin during a diplomatic gathering in Moscow.

The footage was captured on Wednesday, October 28, during the Third Russia-Africa Summit and Economic and Humanitarian Forum, which brought together representatives from 48 African countries.

Citizen Digital reported on October 31 that the video showed several African leaders gathering around an ice cream stand as Putin offered them traditional Russian treats during an exhibition tour.

Ruto was among those spotted in the footage, alongside other senior officials and African leaders, including Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

The incident sparked mixed reactions among Kenyans, with critics questioning the image created by African presidents queuing to receive refreshments from their Russian host.

Some social media users argued that the scene undermined the dignity associated with presidential offices, while others considered it an ordinary diplomatic hospitality gesture that had been blown out of proportion.

TUKO.co.ke also reported on October 31 that the footage had attracted widespread attention online, with Ruto's appearance becoming a major talking point among Kenyan social media users.

People Daily highlighted the criticism surrounding the incident, particularly questions about how African leaders present themselves during international engagements.

The controversy has also revived discussions about Ruto's previous concerns over how African leaders are treated during international meetings, including his criticism of arrangements that make presidents appear like schoolchildren.

However, the ice cream incident took place during a wider diplomatic engagement aimed at strengthening relations between Russia and African countries.

The Associated Press reported that the summit brought together representatives from nearly 50 African nations, including approximately 20 heads of state, as Moscow sought to expand its economic and political partnerships across the continent.

According to The Standard, the ice cream episode happened during an exhibition tour in Moscow, where Putin personally offered refreshments to visiting African delegations.

Beyond the viral footage, Ruto held bilateral talks with Putin on October 29 to discuss economic cooperation between Kenya and Russia.

Daily Nation reported that Ruto's visit focused on expanding trade opportunities, attracting investment and strengthening Kenya's economic relationship with Russia.

The discussions resulted in the signing of five memoranda of understanding covering areas of cooperation between the two countries.

The incident has consequently placed the Moscow summit under public scrutiny, with the ice cream footage attracting considerable attention alongside the diplomatic discussions.

While some Kenyans have criticised the appearance of their president in the video, others have defended the interaction as a harmless gesture of hospitality.