President Ruto Meets Former President Kenyatta
Both leaders emphasized Odinga’s extensive experience and commitment to Africa’s development agenda as strong qualifications for the role.
President Ruto met Former President Kenyatta to discuss national and regional matters. Photo/William Ruto.
President William Ruto held a significant meeting with former President Uhuru Kenyatta at his Gatundu home, where the two leaders engaged in discussions on pressing national and regional issues.
This meeting highlights a moment of collaboration between Kenya’s current and former leadership amid a backdrop of political and regional challenges.
In a statement following the courtesy call, President Ruto described the engagement as “fruitful” and expressed his gratitude to Kenyatta for his continued contributions as a national statesman and a regional peace envoy.
Focus on Regional Peace and National Unity
President Ruto commended Mr. Kenyatta’s pivotal role in fostering peace across the East African region.
As Kenya’s special envoy for peace, Kenyatta has played a key part in mediating conflicts, including efforts to resolve tensions in Ethiopia’s Tigray region and Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
“Our discussions reaffirmed the importance of sustained efforts to ensure stability and cooperation in the region,” President Ruto stated.
IEBC Court Matters
The two leaders also addressed the ongoing judicial processes surrounding Kenya’s Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
They called for an expedited resolution to court matters affecting the electoral body, underlining the need for institutional stability to support democratic governance.
Ruto and Kenyatta acknowledged the importance of a credible electoral commission in fostering public confidence and enhancing Kenya’s democratic processes.
Support for Raila Odinga’s AU Candidacy
An important highlight of their meeting was a shared call for international and regional support for former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s candidacy for the position of Chair of the African Union Commission.
Both leaders emphasized Odinga’s extensive experience and commitment to Africa’s development agenda as strong qualifications for the role.
“We urged Kenyans and the international community to rally behind Mr. Odinga as he seeks to serve the continent in this esteemed capacity,” Ruto said.
A Symbol of Political Reconciliation
The meeting between Ruto and Kenyatta symbolizes a notable step in fostering political reconciliation and cooperation among Kenya’s leaders.
Despite their past political differences, the engagement underscores a shared commitment to addressing issues of national importance and strengthening Kenya’s role on the regional stage.
This collaborative approach, analysts note, could pave the way for greater political stability and unity in Kenya, while enhancing the country’s reputation as a regional leader in peace and governance initiatives.
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