President William Ruto on Monday, December 9 visited Former President Uhuru Kenyatta at his Gatundu home in Kiambu County.
According to State House ‘s official statement, President Ruto took the time to appreciate his predecessor during the meeting for the smooth transition of power after the 2022 Presidential elections.
“President Ruto thanked Uhuru Kenyatta for laying a strong foundation that enabled the government to implement key programs under the Bottom-Up Economic transformation agenda,” the statement from State House read.
According to the statement, these programs include transforming agriculture to ensure food security, achieving universal health coverage, providing affordable housing, empowering MSMEs, developing transport and communication infrastructure, last-mile electrification, and re-evaluating and reforming the Competency-Based Curriculum and the education sector in general, among other initiatives.
“They also underscored the importance of cultivating a nationalistic, patriotic, and harmonious working relationship among all Kenyans and stakeholders, including the three arms of government, religious leaders, civil society, and other partners, to ensure collective national stability and progress,” the statement added.
Additionally, the leaders appreciated the need to achieve broader and more inclusive political consensus in the governance of our country to accelerate the attainment of sinclusive growth and fulfill the national development agenda.
“Their Excellencies also acknowledged Kenya’s leading role in promoting peace and security in the East African region through diplomatic and peace-support initiatives, which are crucial to resolving conflicts, restoring peace, and fostering regional stability,” it added.
President Ruto also commended President Kenyatta for his patriotism and tireless contributions to peace-making efforts in the region.
They further called for the prompt resolution of the court matters regarding the constitution of the IEBC selection panel, to facilitate the appointment of commissioners.
Further, Uhuru and Ruto also came together to urge Kenyans to stand behind their former adversary Raila Odinga’s candidature for the African Union Chair bid.
“The two leaders called on Kenyans, friends of Kenya, and international partners to support the candidacy of Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga for the position of Chair of the African Union Commission. They also committed to maintaining regular engagements on matters of national importance alongside other leaders and stakeholders,” the statement read further.
Additionally, President Ruto and President Kenyatta extended their warm wishes to all Kenyans, wishing them happy holidays as they enter the festive season.
The timing of Uhuru and Ruto’s meeting was interesting since it came at a time when the battle for supremacy in the Mount Kenya region was intensifying.
The meeting also came amid a looming cabinet reshuffle, with several cabinet secretaries potentially on the chopping board.
