Wamuzi News Ke
Jubilee Party Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni has shed light on the purpose behind the recent meeting between President William Ruto and former President Uhuru Kenyatta, dubbed the Ichaweri Summit.
Speaking on Monday, January 27, Kioni revealed that Uhuru initiated the meeting to address the alarming withdrawal of international firms from Kenya’s stock market and to rebuild confidence in the country’s economic potential.
“One of the key reasons my party leader, Uhuru Kenyatta, met with William Ruto was to discuss strategies to inspire market confidence and curb the migration of companies to neighboring countries like Tanzania and Uganda. The goal was to support young people by creating job opportunities,” Kioni explained.
He highlighted the growing concerns over the closure of businesses and the flight of investors, which has raised red flags even among the international community. “Investors are seeking assurance and hope for better conditions in the future,” Kioni added.
Appearing on Capital FM’s mid-morning show, Kioni refuted claims that Uhuru had entered into a pact with Ruto. He clarified that the meeting was purely consultative, as is customary for former and sitting heads of state.
“No, Uhuru is not in any agreement with Ruto. However, as a former head of state, he remains available for advice. Even I consult him for guidance on party matters,” Kioni stated.
Kioni dismissed attempts by Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza camp to frame the meeting as evidence of a ‘super broad-based government’ alliance. He labeled these efforts as deliberate attempts to mislead the public.
“Ruto and his allies are exaggerating the significance of the meeting to create a narrative that doesn’t align with reality,” Kioni noted.
The Ichaweri Summit, held on December 9, attracted widespread attention, sparking speculation about the possibility of a political handshake. This narrative gained traction after three allies of Uhuru—Mutahi Kagwe, Lee Kinyanjui, and William Kabogo—were appointed as Cabinet Secretaries for Agriculture, Trade, and ICT, respectively, following the meeting.
Additionally, leaders allied to Raila Odinga were brought into the government after the July-August Gen Z protests. Key appointees included Treasury CS John Mbadi, Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi, and Cooperatives CS Wycliffe Oparanya.
With only two years until the 2027 General Elections, the country’s political landscape remains charged, with analysts predicting a contentious and highly competitive electoral season.
