Ruto, Kenyatta in Rare Meet, Leaving Political Pundits Guessing
President William Ruto met former President Uhuru Kenyatta at his family home in Gatundu Monday, discussing pressing global and domestic issues in a meeting likely to fuel political debate for days.
The high-level talks come as Ruto faces a widening rift with his former deputy president, Rigathi Gachagua, a key political ally from the same Mount Kenya region as Kenyatta—a bloc instrumental in Ruto’s 2022 electoral victory.
The venue of the meeting is particularly symbolic, as Mr Kenyatta’s residence is adjacent to State House, Nairobi, the official residence of President Ruto, where the two would have otherwise met, for the convenience of the Head of State who has other pressing issues of national importance.
This marks the second meeting between the two leaders since Mr Kenyatta handed over power to Dr Ruto.
It comes at a time when Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has been seeking an audience with the former president following their fallout during the 2022 elections.
During the discussions, the two leaders acknowledged the challenges Kenya faces due to a volatile global environment marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and the resultant supply chain disruptions, including surging prices for fertiliser and wheat.
They noted recent economic progress, including the lowest inflation rates in a decade, stabilisation of the Kenyan shilling, and reduced food prices.
The meeting also addressed Kenya’s domestic economic agenda. President Ruto commended Kenyatta for establishing a foundation that supports initiatives under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda. These include improving agriculture for food security, universal health coverage, affordable housing, and infrastructure development.
Both leaders agreed on the urgency of accelerating these programmes to boost household incomes and expand opportunities.
Mr Kenyatta and Ruto emphasised the need for political inclusivity to drive national development, highlighting the importance of collaboration among all arms of government, religious institutions, and civil society.
They also reiterated Kenya’s leadership role in East African peace-building efforts, with Dr Ruto lauding Mr Kenyatta’s diplomatic contributions to regional stability.
The leaders called for the swift resolution of ongoing court disputes over the Independent Kenya’s Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) selection panel to pave the way for appointing commissioners.
They also urged support for Raila Odinga’s candidacy for African Union Commission chair, in election slated for February next year.
The two committed to maintaining regular consultations on critical national issues.
ligadwah@businessdayafrica.org