The recent meeting between President William Ruto and his predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta, has sent shockwaves through the country’s political landscape.

The meeting also raised questions about the political future of the Mt Kenya region and Azimio la Umoja—One Kenya Coalition Party, of which the former President is the council’s chairperson.

On December 9, President Ruto visited his predecessor at his rural home in Ichaweri village in Gatundu South, Kiambu County. Statements from the two leaders indicated that they had discussed issues of national and regional interests.

A follow-up statement from President Ruto the following day stated that the country’s future hinges on inclusivity, urging Kenyans to play a role in shaping its trajectory. 

The surprise meeting has sparked a major political debate, with political observers claiming that it might come with serious political ramifications for 2027 presidential aspirants.

Additionally, political observers claim that Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua are trying to create an alliance to grab power from President Ruto during the 2027 general elections.

Both Kalonzo and Gachagua are said to have been trying to meet the former President, but with the recent development, their political plans could crumble. The Ichaweri meeting is believed to be part of a broad strategy to counter Kalonzo and Gachagua’s perceived growing influence in the Mt Kenya region. Gachagua has been gaining political influence in the Mt Kenya region since his impeachment.

In addition, the Star Newspaper reported that following the meeting, President Ruto is considering key cabinet appointments which may bring on board Muhoho Kenyatta who is the younger brother of former President Kenyatta, former Health Cabinet Secretary (CS) Mutahi Kagwe, former Interior Principal Secretary (PS) Karanja Kibicho, and former Laikipia county governor Ndiritu Muriithi.    

According to the Star newspaper, the anticipated appointments are to counter Gachagua’s growing influence in Mt Kenya and to help President Ruto reclaim part of the vote-rich region.

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Gachagua has downplayed the political implications. Nation.Africa reported that the former deputy president insisted that the Ichaweri meeting has no bearing on his political pronouncement, which is expected in January.

“We cannot say people should not meet. We cannot dictate who meets who in this life…we have no such powers. In fact, I am encouraging as many people as possible to unite and speak to each other for the common good. We are also meeting, and there are aspects of our engagements that, in agreement, we have decided to keep secret. Wait for the New Year declaration that we are going to make, and you will see that we, too, have been meeting,” said Gachagua.

Gachagua’s close ally and former Nyeri Town MP Ngunjiri Wambugu argues that the former President (Kenyatta) is leaning towards President Ruto to counter Gachagua’s growing influence in the Mt Kenya region.

“This tells us a couple of things. One, Ruto needs help. The relationship between Ruto and Raila isn’t going as planned, and Raila is pushing Ruto too hard. He needs options and balance. Uhuru can provide this. Two, Uhuru doesn’t trust Rigathi’s growing influence in Mt Kenya. Ruto would want it reduced or eradicated. Is this a common interest for the two? Time will tell. Three, Ruto still needs Mt Kenya for 2027. The question now is whether Uhuru can help Ruto reduce the anger in the Mt Kenya region over the next three years and convince part of the region to go back to Ruto. Can he?” the politician posted on his Facebook page.

In a personal statement, Former Trade CS Moses Kuria, who is also State House Economic Advisor, lauded the move and indicated that the country cannot solely depend on handshakes to address its problems.  

Kuria said that President Ruto reached out to Odinga to end the anti-government protests and now he is seeking Kenyatta’s counsel to address issues affecting his administration.

Even though Kuria admitted that both meetings showed statesmanship and patriotism, the country needed to urgently review its constitution to address the emerging issues.

“We can no longer depend on handshake and personal meetings to make us feel safe in our country. The frequent handshakes and artificial formations have vindicated President Kenyatta and Prime Minister Raila on the BBI initiative. They were right, and we were wrong. I urge President Ruto, President Kenyatta and Prime Minister Odinga to close ranks and lead the nation in picking from where BBI flopped and give this country a constitution that speaks to the emerging realities of our nation and our society. BBI Season 2 is urgent and cannot wait,” Kuria said. 

Deputy President Prof Kithure Kindiki lauded the President for reaching out to former Prime Minister and former President. Speaking during this year’s Jamhuri Day celebrations in Nairobi, Prof Kindiki said Kenya’s progress will be faster if all Kenyans focus on the same goal.

“We applaud you for reaching out to the former Prime Minister and establishing a broad-based government. And we thank you for reaching out to former President Uhuru Kenyatta and making sure that going forward, all of us, every stakeholder, is on the table as we decide the destiny of our country and as we lift the weights that we must lift in honour of the previous generations and in honour of the generations to come,” said Prof Kindiki.

President Ruto insists that he will continue reaching out to all Kenyans in the spirit of national unity.