Uhuru's Office Explains Ruto Surprise Visit

The Office of former President Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday, December 9 opened up on the reason behind the impromptu visit to Gatundu, Kiambu County by President William Ruto. This explanation offered closure given that news of the visit caught everyone in Kenya off-guard and sent some political tongues wagging.

In a press release, the office of the 4th President outlined that it was and is normal and common practice and indeed recommended that sitting and former Presidents engage and consult on matters of national importance for the benefit of the citizenry.

"It is in the light of this that H.E. President Ruto paid a courtesy call to the 4th President of Kenya, H. E. Uhuru Kenyatta at his Ichaweri Residence in Gatundu. The two engaged in discussions pertaining to Kenya's national interest particularly matters that have been raised by citizens as challenges and handicaps to their well-being," the statement read in part.

The issues in focus included animosity within the political ranks that has created a hostile atmosphere, leading to harassment of individuals perceived to be in opposition or hostile to the government, matters of taxation that have been raised by Kenyans and possible solutions to them, matters of insecurity and best practice in citizen policing and matters of human capital at all levels capable of resolving these challenges.

President Kenyatta encouraged President Ruto to build a broader political consensus that ensures inclusivity in governance and development at all levels. They also discussed the need for a vibrant opposition that is crucial for Kenya's democracy.

"H.E. President Uhuru Kenyatta laid emphasis on specific areas that he felt are crucial in stabilizing the country. Top among these issues are transparency and accountability.

"He stressed that in a democracy, sector practitioners need to be consulted continuously and sustainably because they usually have solutions themselves. Further, to entrench Kenya's democratic credentials there is an urgent need to reconstitute the IEBC in a similar transparent manner," added the statement.

Uhuru's office underscored that further continuous engagements are the solution to an all-inclusive democratic process, adding that "Even good ideas that are not implemented transparently will create suspicion and mistrust."

The office also underscored that in the difficult circumstances that the global community is experiencing, accountability and transparency become the hallmark of stability. Uhuru thus called for a people-centered service-oriented culture in government actions.

President Uhuru agreed to be consulted privately or otherwise, in efforts that lead to a hopeful, prosperous united and stable nation. 

On his part, President Ruto agreed to engage all stakeholders to remove any unnecessary tension in the country and to 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.

The visit came amidst live chatter regarding a rumoured shakeup in President Ruto's Cabinet, some believing that individuals who served in the 4th President's Cabinet could be recalled to join the Kenya Kwanza government.