Why Ruto Gave Uhuru Peace Job Despite Rocky Relationship

President William Ruto has opened up on his decision to appoint former President Uhuru Kenyatta as peace envoy in Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on the day of his swearing-in on Tuesday, September 13.

Speaking to France 24, Ruto however disclosed that he had a tense moment on his side before handing Uhuru what was termed to be an extension of his role as the envoy for the two nations.

He decided to give the job to him, despite the frosty relationship that characterized most of the second term of the Jubilee administration, based on how regional conflicts would have affected his government.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta hands over the instruments of power to Kenya's fifth President William Ruto at Kasarani Stadium. /TWITTER

Snubbing Uhuru would thus have damaged the credibility of his government since his predecessor had already struck good relations with Ethiopia and the DRC.

"I appointed President Uhuru as an envoy because I'm different. I believe that President Kenyatta brings value to the processes in Ethiopia and DRC. What was there between him and me was a competition.

"It wasn't a competition between me and the person he supported (Raila Odinga). Being a democracy, we are mature enough to understand that we can compete but we don't have to be enemies but compatriots," Ruto explained.

Uhuru was thus suited for the role due to his values and leadership skills which were vital in striking peace deals between conflicting factions in Ethiopia and the DRC which would shape Ruto's legacy.

Ruto also added that the conflict in Ethiopia was of concern to him since it would endanger his agenda, as well as have a detrimental effect on Kenya.

He added that as the president, he would always be the first person to be blamed for failure and thus relied Uhuru's leadership skills to shape his legacy. 

"When things fall apart, it will stop at my desk. I can only be effective in doing what the people of Kenya want if the region is not a problem.

"If somebody else can help me with the regional issues so that I can concentrate my energy, efforts and time in sorting out the issues Kenyans want me to do, I think that is the right decision," Ruto added.

Uhuru was first appointed to lead peace talks in DRC by East African Heads of State on July 22 after he handed over the EAC Summit chairmanship role to Burundi president Evariste Ndayishimiye.

Meanwhile, Ruto downplayed the urgency to immediately withdraw Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) troops from Somalia, but warned that the military's presence in Somalia was benefiting Kenya more than the neighbouring country.

"Those troops will come back home as soon as we are done with the assignments that we have in Somalia. The new Somalia president has a much clearer view of where we need to go and is more committed to fighting Al Shabaab," Ruto stated.

Ruto established close diplomatic relations with newly elected Somalia President, Hassan Mohamud, and the two leaders agreed on fighting and defeating the Al Shabaab militants responsible for some of the high-profile terrorist attacks that hit Kenya during Uhuru's regime.

President William Ruto speaking to France 24 on September 24, 2022.