Ruto meets, shakes Uhuru’s hand ahead of inauguration
By Mathew.Ndungu, September 12, 2022After a longstanding fallout with his boss, William Ruto has for the first time since his declaration as the President-elect met President Uhuru Kenyatta at State House in Nairobi.
Ruto, who arrived aboard his KCU 192H Lexus V8 vehicle, was ushered in by his boss with whom they fell out after he chose another political direction by supporting Azimio leader Raila Odinga as his choice of successor.
President Kenyatta and his wife Margaret Kenyatta were standing at the entrance where the president-elect’s vehicle stopped on a red carpet.
After shaking hands with Uhuru, Ruto’s wife Rachael followed before the two were ushered into the State House where they will occupy for the next five years.
“Welcome so much,” President Uhuru Kenyatta said after greeting Ruto.
While it was not clear why Ruto, who has served as Deputy President for 10 years, visited State House today September 12. Netizens were left to ponder the pre-visit.
Some social media users termed Ruto’s visit as an earlier induction while others guessed he had gone for indoor discussions with his boss over unknown matters.
Ruto, alongside his deputy Rigathi Gachagua are expected to take an oath of office tomorrow between 10 am and 2 pm before they officially take over the mantle from Uhuru who will exit the political stage after serving Kenyans since 2013.
Uhuru will be handing over power to his deputy whom he sought to block from succeeding him and who he publicly campaigned against.
Unlike the late President Mwai Kibaki, Uhuru openly campaigned for Ruto’s closest rival – Raila Odinga who has unsuccessfully sought the presidency five times.