President William Ruto on Monday paid his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta a courtesy call at his Ichaweri home in Gatundu.
In a statement, State House said the two leaders discussed matters of national and regional importance and underscored the importance of cultivating a nationalistic, patriotic, and harmonious working relationship among all Kenyans and stakeholders.
"President Ruto took 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, as well as the goodwill the former President has continued to demonstrate toward his fellow leaders and his support for Kenya’s ongoing progress and development," the statement read in part.
It added that the two leaders acknowledged the challenging global environment affecting many countries, including Kenya, caused by a complex of factors.
The issues included the disruptive effects of COVID-19, the war in Ukraine - which destabilised supply chains and led to high commodity prices, particularly for fertiliser and wheat - volatile currency markets, and a harsh macroeconomic climate.
The pair, popular as UhuRuto during their political heydays under the Jubilee administartion, appreciated that steps have been made in the right direction in addressing the adverse impacts, especially in reducing inflation to its lowest level in the past decade, lowering food prices, stabilising the Kenyan shilling, and reducing interest rates.
The leaders also appreciated the need to achieve broader and more inclusive political consensus in the governance of the country to accelerate the attainment of sinclusive growth and fulfill the national development agenda.
State House said Ruto thanked Uhuru for laying a strong foundation that has enabled the Kenya Kwanza government to implement key programmes under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
"They also underscored the importance of cultivating a nationalistic, patriotic, and harmonious working relationship among all Kenyans and stakeholders, including the three arms of government, religious leaders, civil society, and other partners, to ensure collective national stability and progress."
Also on the cards, State House said, was the issuee of the reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, which has beenm delayed by a court injuction over the constitution of the selecton panel.
State House said the two leaders called for prompt resolution of the court matters to facilitate the appointment of commissioners.
On Kenya's candidancy for the African Union Commission chairmanship, Ruto and Uhuru called on Kenyans, friends of Kenya and the international partners to support Raila Odinga for the position as the February 2025 election date fast approcahes.
On regional matters, the leaders acknowledged Kenya’s leading role in promoting peace and security in the East African region through diplomatic and peace support initiatives, which are crucial to resolving conflicts, restoring peace, and fostering regional stability.
Uhuru is the AU-Kenya Peace Envoy and Facilitator of the EAC-Led Nairobi Peace Process.
Ruto commended him for his patriotism and tireless contributions to peace-making efforts in the region, State House said.
"They also committed to maintaining regular engagements on matters of national importance alongside other leaders and stakeholders and extended their warm wishes to all Kenyans, wishing them happy holidays as they enter the festive season," the statement added.
