Ruto, Raila Meet Museveni At His Uganda Home [PHOTOS]

President William Ruto and Former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga on Monday, February 26 held a high-stakes meeting with President Yoweri Museveni at his Kisozi home in Uganda.

Photos of the trio were shared as of now across the social media platforms of Ruto and Museveni, where they held discussions while grazing the latter's cows.

Ruto who first shared the photos on his social media platforms indicated that the meeting centred on maintaining diplomatic ties between Kenya and Uganda.

President William Ruto, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and President Yoweri Museveni at Museveni's home in Uganda on Monday, February 26, 2024. /PCS

"Kenya and Uganda are committed to the deepening of the long-established diplomatic and economic ties between our two countries. This relationship includes bringing all the seven East African Community nations closer in their ultimate goal to form the East African Political Federation.

"Had the pleasure of meeting  President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at his Kisozi country home in Uganda," he stated.

Ruto furthermore noted that the discussions also revolved around critical issues that affect the two countries such as energy and petroleum.

But what was seen to be of the highest interest in the talks was the declared candidacy by Raila for the position of African Union chairperson.

President William Ruto, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and President Yoweri Museveni at Museveni's home in Uganda on Monday, February 26, 2024. /PCS

The Azimio la Umoja opposition leader will be expected to seek support from the 55 member states to secure his bid, possibly making him the first man from East Africa to wield the powerful role.

President Ruto is expected to officially unveil Raila as Kenya's candidate as he crafts a campaign to drive the agenda, with Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing'oei disclosing that Ruto would make the announcement this coming week. 

"We look forward to working together to advance this important agenda," Sing'oei told the media. 

Further, the head of state will reportedly reach out to other continental leaders on a personal level to lobby for the former prime minister. 

Museveni's vote for the AU Commission chairmanship is considered vital in consolidating East African countries behind a single candidate, which would bolster Raila's chances to make continental history.

Over the weekend, Ruto engaged in talks with Tanzanian counterpart Samia Suluhu at the funeral of Namibian President Hage Geingob, with many speculating that he was consolidating support for Raila.

The President already appointed Kenya’s former Ambassador to the United States of America (USA), Elkanah Odembo, to spearhead Raila's campaign efforts at the AU.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi was also directed to initiate diplomatic efforts across the continent, ahead of Ruto personally engaging his peers.

President William Ruto, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and President Yoweri Museveni at Museveni's home in Uganda on Monday, February 26, 2024. /PCS

Following his declaration on Thursday, February 15, Raila's bid for the top AU job received a boost, from political antagonists from the Kenya Kwanza regime to former Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo.

Within the Azimio camp, he also received support from proponents including Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino who reaffirmed that Raila is the right candidate for the job.

In the event Raila succeeds in replacing Former Prime Minister of Chad Moussa Faki Mahamat whose term as AU chairperson lapses this year, he will be barred from engaging in local politics until the end of his term, which would mean being locked out of contention for the presidential seat in 2027.

President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga engage in a conversation after meeting at President Yoweri Museveni's home in Kisozi, Uganda on Monday, February 26, 2024. /PCS

President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga engage in a conversation after meeting at President Yoweri Museveni's home in Kisozi, Uganda on Monday, February 26, 2024. /PCS