President William Ruto made an unexpected visit to the home of former President Uhuru Kenyatta in Gatundu on Monday, December 9.
This marked the second meeting between the two leaders in less than a month, following their initial encounter in Embu, where Ruto updated his former boss on the progress his government has made in implementing key policies from Uhuru’s administration.
“President William Ruto pays a courtesy call to former President Uhuru Kenyatta at his Gatundu home. The two leaders discussed issues of national interest,” announced Uhuru via his official X account.
State House spokesperson Hussein Mohamed provided further details on the agenda of the surprise meeting, revealing that the two leaders addressed several pressing national and regional matters. President Ruto took the opportunity to express his gratitude for Kenyatta’s leadership in overseeing the peaceful transition of power after the 2022 elections, as well as his ongoing support for Kenya’s development.
“They both acknowledged the challenging global environment affecting many countries, including Kenya, driven by the lingering effects of COVID-19, the war in Ukraine, which disrupted supply chains and caused high commodity prices, particularly for fertiliser and wheat, volatile currency markets, and a tough macroeconomic climate,” Mohamed explained.
The leaders also noted significant progress in tackling these challenges, including the reduction of inflation to its lowest level in a decade, lower food prices, a stabilized Kenyan shilling, and reduced interest rates.
President Ruto thanked Kenyatta for laying a strong foundation that has allowed the government to advance key programs under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda. These programs include transforming agriculture to ensure food security, achieving universal health coverage, providing affordable housing, empowering MSMEs, enhancing transport and communication infrastructure, expanding electricity access, and reforming the education sector, among other initiatives.
The two leaders agreed on the urgent need to accelerate these programs to boost household incomes and create more opportunities for Kenyans. They also emphasized the importance of fostering a nationalistic, patriotic, and harmonious working relationship among all Kenyans and stakeholders, including the three branches of government, religious leaders, civil society, and other partners, to ensure national stability and progress.
Furthermore, they acknowledged the necessity of achieving broader political consensus in Kenya to accelerate inclusive growth and fulfill the national development agenda.
Ruto and Kenyatta also discussed Kenya’s role in promoting peace and security in the East African region, commending the country’s diplomatic efforts in resolving conflicts and fostering regional stability. Ruto praised Kenyatta for his tireless contributions to peace-making efforts.
The leaders also called for the swift resolution of ongoing court matters concerning the constitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) selection panel to facilitate the appointment of new commissioners.
Lastly, both leaders extended their warm wishes to all Kenyans, wishing them a joyful and peaceful festive season.
