Ichaweri's intriguing politics, joint conference that suggests two separate meetings

President William Ruto pays a courtesy call to Former President Uhuru Kenyatta at his Gatundu Home on December 09, 2024. The two leaders discussed issues of National interest. [PCS, Standard]

The last time I saw Prezzo Bill Ruto in Ichaweri was during the heady days ahead of the 2022 General Election. He stood in the sunroof of his vehicle, as he did in those days when he was not riding in a wheelbarrow.

I don’t recall anything specific about his short speech outside Ichaweri, the seat of power for the last 60 years, through the years Prezzo Jomo Kenyatta I and Prezzo Kenyatta II.

In the sunset of Prezzo Kenyatta II’s rule, he endorsed Raila Odinga aka Baba, leaving Prezzo Ruto in a fit of rage. The Kenyattas and the Odingas were dynasties that he sought to topple at the ballot, he told everyone.

That seems such a long time ago, and so much has changed, including this week’s visit to Ichaweri to visit Kenyatta II.

This was a monumental humiliation, not just because Prezzo Ruto went to Gatundu—rather than Prezzo Kenyatta II calling at the State House—but because he climbed down from his limo, went to the door at Ichaweri and knocked.

I have no idea how their conversation went because all we have is a 30-second video of their encounter. Their respective offices released statements highlighting different issues, so it’s possible each sat in a corner and spoke to himself.

This is a paraphrase of Prezzo Ruto’s statement: This afternoon, I returned to Ichaweri to see my old boss, Prezzo Kenyatta II, to confirm if he still had a low opinion of me, now that I am Prezzo.

I wanted to know if he would consider endorsing me in the forthcoming polls. I mean, I agree we cannot politic all the time, although I am nervous about my chances in that region…

Prezzo Kenyatta II’s statement was more trenchant. Once again, this is a paraphrase: I met this afternoon with Prezzo Ruto at the family residence in Ichaweri.

I asked him why he thought I’d consider endorsing him in two years, when I couldn’t do that two years ago. I reminded him that political grudges should not be settled using State machinery as this, as I know now, is transient.