Revealed: How Raila Brokered Uhuru-Ruto Deal At A Secret Meeting In USA

In a surprising turn of events, former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta and current President William Ruto reportedly reconciled in a secret meeting held in the United States, with opposition leader Raila Odinga as the mediator.

According to sources cited by The Standard, the meeting in Boston was pivotal, leading to the formalization of their political truce during the Ichaweri visit.

The newspaper claims that Kenyatta had been reluctant to engage in what many saw as a “handshake” with Ruto, whom he had previously labeled unfit for office. On his part, Ruto blamed Uhuru for his political challenges, including opposition-led protests over high cost of living and nationwide demonstrations by Generation Z.

Ruto left Kenya on September 20 for United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), and after completing his engagements in New York, traveled 347 kilometers to Boston to meet Uhuru.

Uhuru’s whereabouts in Boston were secret, but a top official close to the arrangements noted, “For a president to travel this distance to meet his predecessor, the meeting was important. After Ruto’s and Uhuru return, they made plans to meet, and as a tradition, the sitting president, visits the retired president.”

Raila Odinga, previously on opposing sides with both leaders, played a crucial role in bringing them together amidst national unrest over economic mismanagement and corruption.

This meeting came at a time when Kenya faces significant political and economic challenges, with the youth-led protests highlighting widespread dissatisfaction.

The deal, while not publicly detailed, is believed to focus on stabilizing the political landscape, with implications for the 2027 elections. Both Kenyatta and Ruto have been known political adversaries, with their recent handshake aimed at healing rifts and promoting national unity.

This political maneuver has stirred debates, with some viewing it as a strategic move for power-sharing, while critics question the sincerity and long-term benefits for Kenyan democracy. The involvement of Raila adds another layer of complexity, considering his influential history in Kenyan politics.

As Ruto’s government faced mounting criticism over human rights abuses, corruption, and economic mismanagement, the Boston meeting with Uhuru appeared to be a strategic move to secure crucial political backing, particularly ahead of the 2027 elections.

As part of the bargain, Odinga has four Cabinet positions held by John Mbadi (Treasury), James Opiyo Wandayi (Energy), Ali Hassan Joho (Mining and Blue Economy), and Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives and MSMEs Development), while Kenyatta allies who have joined Mutahi Kagwe (Agriculture), Lee Kinyanjui (Investment, Trade, and Industry), and William Kabogo (ICT) joined Ruto’s government.

President Ruto and Odinga’s close allies explained that both Kenyatta and Odinga are expected to share 14 vacant principal secretary slots to be announced next year after the Public Service Commission conducts interviews.

The two had been at odds since the aftermath of the 2017 elections, when Uhuru publicly declared that Ruto, his deputy, was unfit to hold office. Remarkably, Raila Odinga, who lost the 2022 election to Ruto, had echoed the same sentiment at the time.

As the country watches closely, this unexpected alliance could reshape Kenya’s political future, potentially influencing regional dynamics in East Africa.