President Ruto Hosts Former President Uhuru Kenyatta at State House for High-Level Peace Talks

In a significant diplomatic engagement, President William Ruto welcomed his predecessor, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, to State House, Nairobi, for a high-level meeting focused on advancing peace efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The encounter between the two leaders, their first public appearance together since December 9, 2024, when Ruto paid Kenyatta a courtesy call at his Ichaweri home in Gatundu, underscored Kenya’s pivotal role in regional stability and marked a moment of collaboration on critical continental issues.

The meeting was part of a joint summit of the East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) co-chairs with the Panel of Facilitators for the DRC Peace Process.

Co-chaired by President Ruto, who serves as the EAC chairman, and Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the SADC chairman, the closed-door summit aimed to address ongoing conflicts in the DRC.

Former President Kenyatta attended in his capacity as the African Union-Kenya Peace Envoy and facilitator of the EAC-led Nairobi Peace Process, a role he has held since President Ruto appointed him immediately after his swearing-in on September 13, 2022.

The State House meeting comes against the backdrop of a politically strained but mutually respectful relationship between Ruto and Kenyatta.

President William Ruto welcomes former President Uhuru Kenyatta at the joint EAC-SADC Co-Chairs’ meeting with the Panel of Facilitators for the DRC Peace Process at State House, Nairobi.

The two leaders, once allies under the Jubilee Party, experienced a public fallout following the 2022 elections, when Kenyatta, then in power, endorsed Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga as his preferred successor, openly campaigning against Ruto—his deputy at the time.

Ruto went on to defeat Raila at the ballot and succeeded Kenyatta as Kenya’s fifth president.

A statement from State House highlighted the leaders’ discussions on “issues of national and regional importance,” emphasizing Kenya’s leadership in promoting peace and security in East Africa.

During their December meeting, President Ruto had taken the opportunity to “reiterate his appreciation and commendation of His Excellency President Kenyatta’s statesmanship in overseeing the peaceful transfer of power after the 2022 elections,” and thanked Kenyatta “for the goodwill the former president has continued to demonstrate toward his fellow leaders and his support for Kenya’s ongoing progress and development.”

The reunion comes nearly eight months after their last public meeting and demonstrates President Ruto’s consistent approach toward former rivals.

During his inauguration at Kasarani Stadium, Ruto had publicly stated: “I have committed that the government of Kenya will support those initiatives that will be chaired by President Uhuru Kenyatta. I want to thank you Uhuru Kenyatta for agreeing to support us and to help me in those interventions.”

When questioned about retaining Kenyatta in the peace mediation role despite their 2022 political differences, Ruto told Al Jazeera in September 2022: “I’m the President of Kenya, I’m the big brother now and it’s in my place to work with him.”

Political analysts view the State House summit as part of Ruto’s broader strategy of unifying former rivals in the national interest, portraying him as a leader above grudges.

A day after their December meeting, while addressing a public rally in Wajir, President Ruto had elaborated on the importance of unity: “As leaders, we must continually build bridges instead of creating barriers at a time the country needs collective input to address its challenges.” The imagery of their reunion sends a clear political message that institutional stability takes precedence over personal rivalry.

President William Ruto welcomes Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa at State House, Nairobi for a meeting of EAC -SADC Co-Chairs with a panel of facilitators for DRC peace process.

The summit also highlighted Kenya’s growing diplomatic clout. President Mnangagwa’s presence underscored the collaborative efforts between EAC and SADC to address the DRC’s complex security challenges, including conflicts involving rebel groups and resource disputes.

The facilitators, led by Kenyatta, are tasked with mediating dialogue to restore peace and foster stability in the volatile region.

While Kenyatta has remained largely silent on domestic politics since leaving office, his role in the DRC peace process gives him continued relevance in the regional arena.

His presence at State House demonstrates that the business of state can, at times, override political bitterness.

However, it remains to be seen whether this renewed cooperation will endure as Kenya gears up for the 2027 elections, with the charged electioneering season barely two years away.

In a country where political wounds often fester long past elections, Friday’s image of former adversaries sharing a table and shaking hands offers hope that institutional stability can transcend personal rivalry.