‘Thank you for reaching out to our former president’ – Kindiki tells Ruto
By Ascah Mwango, December 12, 2024
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has praised President William Ruto for reaching out to former President Uhuru Kenyatta in efforts to foster national unity.
Speaking during Kenya’s 61st Jamhuri Day celebrations at Uhuru Gardens on Thursday, December 12, 2024, Kindiki highlighted the President’s initiative to engage key stakeholders in shaping the country’s future.
Kindiki acknowledged Ruto’s efforts in establishing a broad-based government and reaching out to former leaders, including former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
“Thank you for reaching out to as many stakeholders as possible, to bring everyone on the table so we can all pull in one direction to make sure our country moves to the next level. We applaud you for reaching out to the former prime minister, for the establishment of the broad-based government, and we thank you for reaching out to the former President Uhuru Kenyatta and making sure every stakeholder is on the table as we decide the destiny of our country,” he said.
Ruto visits Uhuru
The remarks came just days after President Ruto paid a courtesy visit to former President Kenyatta at his Gatundu home on December 9, 2024. The meeting, described as cordial, centred on issues of national importance. According to a statement from the State House, the leaders discussed matters aimed at promoting national unity and development.
“President William Ruto pays a courtesy call to former President Uhuru Kenyatta at his Gatundu home. The two leaders discussed issues of national interest,” the statement read.
In the meeting, President Ruto commended Kenyatta’s leadership during the peaceful transfer of power following the 2022 elections. He expressed gratitude for the former President’s continued support and contributions to Kenya’s development.
State House highlighted Ruto’s recognition of Kenyatta’s efforts in laying a solid foundation for the current administration’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda. The agenda focuses on empowering ordinary citizens through inclusive economic policies, and Ruto acknowledged that the groundwork laid by his predecessor had been instrumental in advancing these initiatives.