A surprising easing of political tensions occurred in September 2024 when President William Ruto and former President Uhuru Kenyatta held an extraordinary meeting in Boston, USA.
This secret afternoon meeting represented a significant change in their political dynamic, following nearly four years of hostility and fierce rivalry between the two once-allied leaders.
Anonymous high-level sources indicate that this landmark meeting aimed not only to mend the relationship between the two leaders but also to stabilize a nation on the brink of division and safeguard the political interests of Kenya’s fourth and fifth presidents.
The two-day gathering, which included only Ruto and Uhuru, was reportedly preceded by months of careful negotiations facilitated by emissaries, led by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who had previously secured a handshake with Ruto.
Kenyatta had been hesitant to engage in what many perceived as a “handshake” with Ruto, whom he had earlier deemed unsuitable for leadership. Ruto, in turn, held Uhuru responsible for his political issues, such as protests spurred by opposition over the rising cost of living and nationwide demonstrations by Generation Z.
“It is a standard and advisable practice that current and former Presidents confer on national matters for the welfare of the citizens,” Uhuru’s spokesperson Kanze Dena stated on Monday, December 9.
“In this context, H. E. President Ruto made a courtesy visit to the 4th President of Kenya, H. E. Uhuru Kenyatta, at his Ichaweri Residence in Gatundu. ”
Ruto departed Kenya on September 20 for the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), and following his commitments in New York, traveled 347 kilometers to Boston to meet Uhuru, sources report.
Ruto’s journey to the U. S. was originally part of his official responsibilities, including attending the 79th UNGA from September 22 to 27. While global discussions unfolded in New York, emissaries and influential figures worked diligently behind the scenes to arrange a meeting between the fourth and fifth presidents of Kenya.
Although Uhuru’s location in Boston was confidential, a senior official involved in the planning remarked, “For a president to travel this distance to see his predecessor indicates the significance of the meeting. Following Ruto’s and Uhuru’s return, they planned to convene, as is customary for the sitting president to visit the retired president. ”
While Ruto’s address at UNGA emphasized themes of collaboration and development, it seemed to mirror the events occurring behind the scenes within Kenya’s political landscape. Raila Odinga, now aligned with Ruto, played a crucial role in convincing Uhuru to meet with Ruto. A senior State House official informed The Standard, “Odinga was the mediator for the meeting, and there were several influential figures involved. Uhuru was hesitant. ”
Sources close to Ruto suggested that the timing of the meeting was deliberate, coinciding with national unrest over corruption and economic misgovernment. Extensive protests accused Ruto’s administration of poor economic management, with tensions rising following the storming of Parliament by Generation Z two months prior.
“The meeting was regarded as essential for mending the political divide and reinstating stability. If successful, it could assist in 2027 in aligning Mount Kenya with Ruto,” a state house official stated.
A senior official participating in Ruto’s visit remarked, “While Ruto was in the U. S. , Uhuru happened to be in Boston, and they met. Ruto went to visit him. ” The timing was considered critical, occurring right before Ruto’s address at UNGA, as the leaders aimed to convey unity and stability on the international stage.
Ruto’s detractors viewed the meeting as a sign of evolving political dynamics within Kenya’s elite, following his campaign on a “dynasty vs. hustlers” narrative to win the 2022 general elections.
Since his victory, Uhuru had generally remained on the periphery, providing sporadic guidance and expressing concerns over the rising harassment by Ruto.
“What relevance does my mother have? What do my children have to do with it? My silence does not equate to fear. I am committed to safeguarding my family with everything I possess, and if it’s me you seek, approach me,” Uhuru stated last Friday evening, a year ago, after police targeted his son’s residence.
However, as Ruto encountered increasing domestic and international opposition, the backing of Uhuru and Odinga seemed crucial for his re-election efforts in 2027, should they remain united.
“The leaders recognized the importance of achieving a wider and more inclusive political consensus in the governance of our nation to foster inclusive growth and advance the national development agenda,” Ruto expressed.
Uhuru’s sway in Mount Kenya continued to be substantial, and bolstering his political presence in the region became a priority for Ruto, who is currently focused on stabilizing the country after the Generation Z protests.
“You people from the Mt Kenya region, if you choose Ruto, you will regret it one day because he is very wicked,” Uhuru warned the residents of Kiambu on August 2, 2022.
Historian Macharia Munene stated, “Ruto is eager to escape the predicament he has created for himself and the nation. He’s willing to reconcile with anyone who can assist him. He is counting on Uhuru to help him out, yet uniting for 2027 is quite challenging. Still, if they do come together, I won’t be surprised. However, I have doubts that Uhuru will repeat the same error after 2022. He has learned his lesson. “
Their meeting followed a brief and strained moment at the swearing-in ceremony of D. R. Congo President Félix Tshisekedi in January 2024, when Ruto and his allies had been criticizing Uhuru since the 2017 elections.
In a surprising turn, in November 2024, President Ruto and Uhuru shared a platform in Embu County, alongside Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, weeks following Gachagua’s impeachment, which insiders suggested was a test to assess public reaction. This marked the first instance of Ruto and Uhuru appearing together in the country since Ruto’s inauguration.
Uhuru’s address at the event highlighted the significance of unity: “Let’s pray for peace, let’s pray for harmony among leaders and citizens. We cannot thrive in division; people cannot insult one another. Value citizens, and they will reciprocate. ”
Prof Macharia noted, “Uhuru and Ruto appeared pleased in Embu, and that’s where they established the date. “
He continued: “Ruto is justified in seeking assistance from Uhuru; there’s nothing inappropriate about their meeting. Uhuru is correct in offering him counsel, but the negative actions Ruto is engaged in cannot be remedied. He has inflicted considerable harm on the economy, health, and education. Kenyans are not prepared to heed him in the 2027 general elections. With these kidnappings and violations of human rights, Kenyans are exhausted, and I don’t anticipate Uhuru collaborating with him. “
Macharia asserted that as Ruto’s position faltered, particularly in Mount Kenya, it became evident that a public display with Uhuru, still the dominant political figure in the region, was essential for reinforcing his reputation.
“Ruto is determined to hold onto everything to secure victory in the 2027 general elections,” Macharia stated.
The Boston meeting marked a pivotal moment in Kenya’s political environment, where President Ruto is relying on Odinga and Kenyatta to aid him in his re-election in 2027.
The October 2024 impeachment of Gachagua exacerbated the internal conflicts within Ruto’s government. Gachagua, who had earlier invoked Uhuru’s name to garner support, now sought reconciliation, indicating a change in political alliances.
“I apologize for bringing Mama Ngina Kenyatta into the politics of the last general election. She is our mother. I ask for forgiveness on behalf of our team. I will not permit anyone to disrespect her or anyone from the region,” Gachagua stated in an apology to the Kenyatta family.
As Ruto’s administration faced increasing backlash over human rights violations, corruption, and economic mismanagement, the Boston meeting with Uhuru seemed to be a calculated strategy to secure essential political support, particularly with the 2027 elections approaching.
Uhuru, largely absent from public view since leaving office, had mainly avoided political disputes. The Boston meeting signified a political shift, with Ruto seeking backing from Uhuru and Raila while offering political positions to their supporters.
“The leaders also stressed the necessity for a broader and more inclusive political agreement to spur inclusive growth and accomplish the national development agenda,” Ruto stated, adding, “President Uhuru consented to be consulted privately or otherwise in efforts aimed at building a hopeful, prosperous, united, and stable nation. “
As part of the agreement, Odinga has four Cabinet positions held by John Mbadi (Treasury), James Opiyo Wandayi (Energy), Ali Hassan Joho (Mining and Blue Economy), and Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives and MSMEs Development), while Kenyatta allies who have joined include Mutahi Kagwe (Agriculture), Lee Kinyanjui (Investment, Trade, and Industry), and William Kabogo (ICT) within Ruto’s government.
President Ruto and Odinga’s close associates indicated that Kenyatta and Odinga are anticipated to divide 14 available principal secretary positions set to be revealed next year following interviews by the Public Service Commission.
The two have been in conflict since the aftermath of the 2017 elections, when Uhuru publicly stated that Ruto, his deputy, was unqualified for office. Interestingly, Raila Odinga, who lost the 2022 election to Ruto, had voiced the same opinion at that time.
“Uhuru said if the nation collapsed, then we have no other nation,” Raila remarked during the funeral of Chirchir Masit, the father of former IEBC commissioner Irene Masit, on August 13.
Activist Boniface Mwangi contended that the inclusion of Uhuru’s and Raila’s supporters in Ruto’s administration was a beneficial step for Kenyans, uniting individuals who had earlier exploited the public and violated the Constitution.
“The political thugs are now united. We shall bring everyone down with us. This red lipstick on the decaying body of this government won’t save it. Ruto must depart,” he stated.
