Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has praised President William Ruto for his efforts in reaching out to former President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, despite their previously strained relationships.
Speaking at the Jamhuri Day celebrations at Uhuru Gardens in Nairobi on Thursday, Kindiki commended Ruto for fostering national unity by engaging leaders across political, religious, and ethnic divides.
“We applaud you for reaching out to former Prime Minister Raila Odinga to establish a broad-based government, and for engaging former President Uhuru Kenyatta, ensuring that all stakeholders have a seat at the table as we shape the future of our country for both current and future generations,” Kindiki said.
He further acknowledged Ruto’s recognition that Kenya’s progress would be faster with a united country, emphasizing the importance of including all parties to move forward together.
The praise followed Ruto’s visit to Kenyatta at his Gatundu home on Monday, where the two leaders held talks focused on promoting national unity and addressing tribal divisions.
The meeting was unexpected, given the tension between them since Ruto served as deputy president under Kenyatta’s administration.
In the lead-up to the 2022 elections, Kenyatta declined to support Ruto’s presidential bid, instead endorsing Odinga.
After Ruto’s victory, Odinga contested the results in court and later organized protests against the new administration.
However, the two leaders reconciled after the 2023 anti-government protests, culminating in the formation of a ‘broad-based government,’ with opposition leaders joining Ruto’s Cabinet.
More recently, Ruto has been supporting Odinga’s bid for the African Union Commission chairmanship.
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