Nairobi, Kenya, December 9- On December 9, President William Ruto visited former President Uhuru Kenyatta at his home in Gatundu South, Kiambu County, for a private meeting. Although the details of their discussion remain undisclosed, the meeting has sparked speculation about its impact on Kenya’s political landscape.
Sources suggest that their conversation covered seven key areas of national interest.
Peaceful Transition
President Ruto commended Kenyatta for overseeing a smooth power transfer after the 2022 elections, highlighting his continued support for the country’s leadership.
IEBC Reforms & Governance
The two leaders stressed the need to resolve ongoing legal matters related to the constitution of the IEBC selection panel. They also discussed fostering unity among all Kenyan stakeholders, including the government, religious leaders, and civil society, to ensure national stability and progress.
Raila’s AUC Bid
Ruto and Kenyatta voiced their support for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s bid to become Chair of the African Union Commission, underscoring Kenya’s important role in regional leadership.
Key Development Agendas
Ruto thanked Kenyatta for laying the groundwork for key programs under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, including agriculture, universal health coverage, affordable housing, and infrastructure. They agreed on the need to accelerate these initiatives to improve household incomes and create more opportunities for Kenyans.
Global Economic Challenges
Both leaders acknowledged the global challenges impacting Kenya, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ukraine war, and volatile markets. However, they noted progress in tackling inflation, reducing food prices, stabilizing the shilling, and lowering interest rates.
Regular Engagements
Ruto and Kenyatta agreed to maintain regular communication and consultations on national matters, involving other leaders and stakeholders in decision-making.
Holiday Greetings
Concluding their discussion, the two leaders wished Kenyans peace and prosperity during the festive season.
This meeting followed a brief encounter at a church function in Embu, and came months after their last publicized discussion in June 2024, where they addressed concerns about the operational challenges facing Kenyatta’s office post-presidency. At that time, Ruto promised to resolve budget allocation issues affecting Kenyatta’s office.
