Behind closed doors: Inside Uhuru-Ruto power talks

President William Ruto yesterday held closed-door talks with his predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta, aimed at solidifying his hold on power amidst increasing opposition and criticism of his administration.

The meeting came at a time when Ruto’s government is facing intense scrutiny over public sector service delivery and alleged human rights violations, including widespread abductions.

Under heavy criticism, Ruto reached out to Uhuru months after extending a handshake to opposition leader Raila Odinga to ease political tensions.

The decision to engage his 2022 election rival was seen as an attempt to shield Ruto from growing nationwide discontent, including protests that saw demonstrators storm Parliament in June over the unpopular Finance Bill 2024, high cost of living, and corruption.

“Top among these issues are transparency and accountability,” Uhuru said in a statement.

A State House statement added: “The leaders appreciated the need to achieve broader and more inclusive political consensus in the governance of our country to accelerate inclusive growth and fulfill the national development agenda.”

This marks the second public meeting between the two leaders in recent months. Last month, they met during the installation of Bishop Peter Kimani Ndung’u of the Embu Diocese of the Catholic Church.

Despite their previous direct confrontations, with Ruto’s allies accusing Uhuru’s policies of damaging the country’s economy and some of Uhuru’s allies refusing to recognize Ruto, the two leaders have now appeared to find common ground.

On May 23, National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah dismissed claims made by Uhuru that Ruto’s allies were pressuring him to exit politics, accusing the former President of acting out of frustration.

Yesterday’s meeting follows Raila’s claim in August that Uhuru had urged him to engage Ruto in addressing the crisis sparked by the Gen Z protests.

Multiple sources close to both Ruto and Uhuru described the talks as a “handshake-like” arrangement. Uhuru is expected to recommend names of his allies for potential appointments as Principal Secretaries and Cabinet Secretaries.

Business interests

The powerful Interior Cabinet Secretary position, currently held in an acting capacity by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, is one position Ruto is considering to bring Uhuru’s allies on board.

“There have been talks for some time, and the two agreed that President Ruto respects Kenyatta’s interests,” a State House insider revealed. These interests include both political and business concerns.

“The meetings have been held through proxies before today’s main meeting in Gatundu. Among the names mentioned were former Health CS Mutahi Kagwe and former Laikipia Governor Ndiritu Muriithi,” the aide said, adding, “Things are moving fast.

Some of Uhuru’s allied bloggers have already begun to praise the government.”

Last week, Jubilee Party endorsed Kithure Kindiki’s appointment as Deputy President.

Uhuru, who supported Raila in the 2022 General Election, said in a statement shared after yesterday’s meeting that some people in the opposition had faced harassment.

He emphasized the need for a vibrant opposition, transparency, and accountability.

“Further to entrench Kenya’s democratic credentials, there is an urgent need to reconstitute the IEBC in a similarly transparent manner,” Uhuru said.

He highlighted transparency and accountability as key to stabilizing the country.

“On his part, Ruto agreed to engage all stakeholders to remove unnecessary tensions and propose a reconciliatory way forward. He stressed that the tensions caused by the elections are over, and it is time to focus on the future as one people,” Uhuru added.

Sources close to President Ruto told The Standard that he is working to reclaim Mt. Kenya’s support after the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, a mission that he hopes Uhuru can help achieve.

“The leaders also emphasized the need for a broader and more inclusive political consensus to accelerate inclusive growth and fulfill the national development agenda,” the State House statement said.

Uhuru called for continued accountability and transparency in stabilizing the country, stressing that sector practitioners must be continuously consulted, as they often hold the solutions to challenges.

“President Uhuru agreed to be consulted privately or otherwise in efforts aimed at creating a hopeful, prosperous, united, and stable nation,” the statement added.

Economic foundation

“President Ruto took the opportunity to reiterate his appreciation for President Kenyatta’s statesmanship in overseeing the peaceful transfer of power after the 2022 elections, as well as the goodwill the former President continues to demonstrate towards fellow leaders and his support for Kenya’s ongoing progress and development,” the statement read.

The State House statement also noted that Ruto thanked Uhuru for laying the foundation supporting key programs under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, such as agriculture, health, housing, MSME empowerment, infrastructure, and education reforms. Both leaders emphasized the importance of accelerating these initiatives to improve incomes and create opportunities.

They stressed the need for national unity and collaboration for stability and progress, recognizing Kenya’s role in regional peace and supporting Raila’s candidacy for African Union Commission Chair.

The leaders committed to regular engagements on national issues and wished all Kenyans happy holidays.