Accountability, unity take centre stage as Ruto, Uhuru hold talks

President William Ruto and former President Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday held a private meeting at Kenyatta’s Gatundu home, where they discussed key national and regional issues.

This was their first one-on-one engagement since Ruto’s inauguration in September 2022, following Kenya’s peaceful transfer of power.

The talks - centred on accountability, inclusivity, and national unity- covered a range of topics, including governance, taxation, security, and the state of Kenya’s democracy.

Former President Uhuru emphasised the importance of transparency and stability in the country, calling for continuous consultations with sector practitioners and reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) through a transparent process.

“In a democracy, even good ideas that lack transparency breed suspicion and mistrust. Continuous engagement is essential for an all-inclusive democratic process,” Uhuru said.

I have had a fruitful engagement with Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta when I paid him a courtesy call at his Gatundu home where we discussed national and regional issues.

I thanked him for his continued role as a national statesman and for peace-making in the region.

We called… pic.twitter.com/Ywhx2oHtKl

— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) December 9, 2024

The former President also encouraged Ruto to foster a broader political consensus to ensure inclusivity in governance and development.

Stressing the need for a vibrant opposition, Uhuru reiterated that accountability and transparency should be at the core of government actions, especially in challenging global economic times.

On his end, President Ruto acknowledged his predecessor’s counsel, committing to engaging all stakeholders to reduce tensions and promote reconciliation.

“The tensions caused by elections are over; it is time to focus on the future as one people,” Ruto affirmed.

Economic challenges

The two leaders also reflected on global economic challenges, highlighting efforts to mitigate their impact through measures that have reduced inflation, stabilised financial markets, and lowered food prices.

The President also commended Uhuru for laying a strong foundation in areas like agriculture and infrastructure, which have supported the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.

“Your commitment to a peaceful transition and your goodwill for Kenya’s development is deeply appreciated,” Ruto said, praising Uhuru’s statesmanship.

The conversation extended to matters of national security and the need for citizen-centred policing, as well as discussions on how to strengthen Kenya’s democratic institutions.

IEBC reconstitution

The two also deliberated on resolving ongoing court cases regarding the IEBC selection panel, which have delayed the reconstitution of the electoral body.

This comes at a time when pressure continues to pile on the President to reconstitute the electoral body.

The church together with a section of opposition leaders have criticised the delays claiming it is a self-serving tactic ahead of the 2027 elections.

However, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki defended the government, attributing the lack of a functional IEBC to a court injunction that has blocked the reconstitution process.

In October 2024, a High Court in Kiambu issued an injunction preventing the Senate Clerk from submitting nominees for the IEBC selection panel to President Ruto.

In addition, President Ruto vowed to expedite the process, calling it essential for Kenya’s democratic progress.

Regionally, the leaders reaffirmed Kenya’s role in promoting peace in East Africa. Ruto lauded Uhuru’s contributions to regional stability through diplomatic initiatives.

“Your efforts in fostering peace are a source of pride for our nation,” he noted.

The meeting also touched on Kenya’s support for Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s candidacy for Chair of the African Union Commission, with both leaders expressing optimism about his prospects in the February 2025 elections.

Raila will face off against Djibouti’s Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, the country’s Foreign Minister since 2005, and Richard Randriamandrato of Madagascar for the position.

President Ruto and Uhuru concluded their discussions with a commitment to maintaining regular engagements on national issues.

They extended festive season greetings to Kenyans, urging unity and optimism for a prosperous future.

“This marks a new chapter of collaboration for the benefit of all Kenyans,” Ruto said.