Religious leaders are on an urgent mission to reconcile President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Deputy William Ruto amidst rising political temperatures.
This reconciliation mission has been informed by the rising political temperatures in the country attracting the attention of the international community.
Details of reconciliation efforts emerged three days after national prayers on Saturday at State House where the tension and profound differences between the two Jubilee heavyweights was exposed for all to see.
There was jumbled protocol, the two men sat apart and left by separate exits.
On September 28, Ruto also skipped a widely publicised Covid-19 conference in a clear indication the relationship between the country’s two leaders had hit rock bottom.
According to the Star,a group of influential religious leaders has separately held lengthy talks with both the President and the DP. It was anticipated the two could call a joint press conference to announce a ceasefire.
The religious leaders met the President on Thursday last week.
The head of state is reported to have expressed concerns about insults by Ruto’s allies directed at his mother, former First Lady Ngina Kenyatta – among a host of other issues.
Last month, Uhuru’s cousin Beth Mugo linked Ruto to the attacks, saying Ruto had failed to come out to condemn his lieutenants’ offensive words.
“The fact their political captain, the Deputy President, has not come out to condemn his troops is very telling. Does it mean that the DP supports the public statements by these two leaders?” Mugo, a nominated Jubilee senator, asked.
On Monday, the team of religious leaders held a five-hour meeting with Ruto at his Karen home.
Sources within the DP’s office said the team was led by Catholic Archbishop of Nyeri Anthony Muheria and included retired AIC Bishop Silas Yego and CITAM Bishop David Oginde.
Because of the meeting, Ruto flew from his Sugoi home in Uasin Gishu county where he had travelled for a meeting with religious leaders from Nyanza.
On September 15, Oginde confirmed to the Star that religious leaders were working on a reconciliation plan.
“Talks are ongoing but nothing substantive so far. We are concerned with the rising political temperature. Without peace, nothing happens,” he said on the phone.
The fresh reconciliation bid was firmed up on Saturday during the national prayers.
The situation was strained.
For instance, it was the clergy who welcomed the President instead of Deputy President who by protocol invites the head of state to speak.
There Uhuru made a public apology to those he had wronged.
“We’ve been told that if we pray, our sins will be forgiven. Today I seek forgiveness from all that I have sinned against. I seek forgiveness. And anyone who has wronged me, I also forgive you. That is the only way to prosper and move forward. We’ve been told peace, peace , peace and lasting peace,” the President said.
But even after tendering the apology widely believed to be offered to his deputy, the President dashed from the makeshift pulpit without any exchange or warmth toward Ruto. It appeared to be a snub.
It was noted also that DP Ruto’s wife Rachel was conspicuously absent and her seat was hurriedly assigned to former Vice President Moody Awori.
Uhuru and Ruto were seated apart, with First Lady Margaret between them, a sharp contrast with protocol whereby Ruto would sit immediately to the President’s left.
In another clear indication of the bad blood between the two, after the prayers, each of them walked their separate ways, leaving the gathering wondering if the prayers came from the heart.
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Sonko News has established that there are concerns from the international community over political instability in the country that could easily make Kenya an undesirable business and investment destination.
Corruption allegations at Kenya Medical Supplies Agency, including the loss of assorted Covid-19 supplies, have also attracted the attention of the international community.
One missing shipment of donations came from Chinese billionaire Jack Ma.
It is understood the President and his delegation to France a week ago could not secure some lucrative deals as investors in Paris said they only could invest in Kenya after the 2022 General Election. Violence and instability are feared.
While in France, State House announced Uhuru oversaw the signing of a public private partnership with a French company to construct the Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit Road.
However, it is understood the investors signed the framework but only committed to roll out the projects after 2022.
These concerns of waning international credibility and image are believed to have pushed Uhuru and Ruto toward some kind of reconciliation – exactly what kind is not known.
