President William Ruto recently elaborated on his decision to support former Prime Minister Raila Odinga for the position of African Union Commission chairperson following their meeting in Uganda on Monday, February 26.
Addressing attendees at an investment conference in Homa Bay County on Tuesday, February 27, Ruto reiterated his commitment to uniting the nation post the controversial 2027 presidential election. He emphasized that every Kenyan should have a role in the government regardless of election outcomes.
During their meeting in Uganda hosted by President Yoweri Museveni, Ruto made a promise to the nation, which he explained to the residents of Homa Bay. He stated, “”I was here in Homa Bay during the campaigns and I promised you that there will be no loser here in Kenya. I promised that I would work so hard to ensure that everyone gets a space. You did not believe me. Now you can see how things are going. Didn’t I promise that in the market?There is a space for all of us. You do not win by making others lose. We want a win-win situation for all Kenyans. There are no Kenyans who are in the opposition and those in the government.”
This public statement marked Ruto’s first comment on Raila’s AU bid. Raila, in turn, appreciated Ruto and Museveni for supporting his candidacy, acknowledging Ruto as Kenya’s President.
Raila also mentioned that during their discussions in Uganda, the topic of his AU Commission Chairperson candidacy arose, with President Museveni endorsing it and President Ruto fully backing the move.
Following the Supreme Court’s confirmation of Ruto’s victory and dismissal of opposition petitions, Raila had previously refused to recognize Ruto as the legitimate head of state. However, after their meeting in Uganda, Raila expressed gratitude to Museveni and Ruto for their support.
Raila stated, “Crucially, at the urging of President Museveni, we also discussed my candidacy for Chairperson of the African Union Commission. I am very grateful to President Museveni for strongly endorsing my candidacy and to President Ruto for fully backing it.”
The meeting in Uganda marked a significant turning point in the relationship between Ruto, Raila, and Museveni. It demonstrated a crucial step towards unity and collaboration for the benefit of the Kenyan people.
