President William Ruto and former President Uhuru Kenyatta at his Gatundu Home /Photo courtesy/
President William Ruto on Monday 9th Dec, 2024, paid a visit to former President Uhuru Kenyatta at his family home in Gatundu.
The two leaders, according to official communication from State house, held a constructive discussion on a range of pressing national and regional matters, reaffirming their commitment to Kenya’s progress and stability.
During the visit, President Ruto expressed his deep appreciation for President Kenyatta’s statesmanship, particularly his role in overseeing the peaceful transfer of power following the 2022 elections.
The current President also lauded the former leader for his continued support of national development and his exemplary relationship with fellow leaders.
The two leaders acknowledged the difficult global environment that continues to challenge countries, including Kenya. They highlighted the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, volatile currency markets, and the harsh macroeconomic conditions.
However, they noted significant strides made in addressing these challenges, including reducing inflation to its lowest level in a decade, lowering food prices, stabilizing the Kenyan shilling, and reducing interest rates.
President Ruto also took the opportunity to thank President Kenyatta for the strong foundation laid during his administration, which has enabled the government to push forward key programs under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
These initiatives, aimed at transforming agriculture, achieving universal health coverage, providing affordable housing, empowering MSMEs, and developing transport infrastructure, are central to the administration’s vision for sustainable development. Both leaders emphasized the urgency of accelerating these programs to boost household incomes and create more opportunities for Kenyans.
The leaders also underscored the importance of fostering a nationalistic and harmonious spirit among all Kenyans, urging unity and collaboration between the three arms of government, religious leaders, civil society, and other stakeholders. They recognized the need for broader political consensus to further the country’s development goals.
In the area of regional security, both leaders acknowledged Kenya’s vital role in promoting peace and stability in East Africa. President Ruto commended President Kenyatta for his unwavering commitment to diplomatic peace efforts that have contributed significantly to resolving conflicts in the region.
The two leaders also called for the swift resolution of court matters concerning the constitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) selection panel, a step critical for the appointment of commissioners.
In a show of solidarity, President Ruto and President Kenyatta jointly endorsed the candidacy of Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga for the position of Chair of the African Union Commission, urging both Kenyans and international partners to support his bid.
As the meeting concluded, the two leaders expressed their commitment to regular engagement on matters of national importance and wished all Kenyans a joyful holiday season.
