President William Ruto on Monday surprised Kenyans after meeting with ODM leader Raila Odinga alongside Ugandan President, Yoweri Museveni.
The meeting came as a shocker to Kenyans since such a meeting was not thought to be on the cards between the two.
Dr Ruto, taking to his social media accounts, broke the news revealing he had held a productive meeting with Mr Odinga and President Museveni at the Ugandan’s leader’s home.
He said they had discussed about the longstanding relationship between the two countries, emphasising the need for more stronger ties.
“Had the pleasure of meeting President KagutaMuseveni at his Kisozi country home in Uganda. We discussed critical issues that affect our two countries such as energy and petroleum,” Dr Ruto posted.
“Also discussed was the declared candidacy of Kenya’s former Prime Minister Raila Odinga for the Africa Union Commission chairmanship,” he revealed.
His sentiments were also echoed by Mr Museveni, who confirmed that trio had indeed met at his home.
Mr Museveni said their talks revolved around issues of mutual interest.
“I was happy to meet President Ruto and Rt. Hon. Odinga this afternoon at my farm in Kisozi. We discussed issues of mutual interest between our two countries and the East African Community. I welcome them,” he posted on his official X account.
Moments later, Mr Odinga took to his social media pages to also confirm the meeting with the two presidents.
It was his post that opened the lid on who was behind it as he expressed his joy over the secret plan which also touched on his stab at the leadership of the African Union Commission.
“Several days ago, I accepted an invitation from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda for a joint meeting with President William Samoei Ruto today(Monday) to discuss the deepening of regional integration within the East African Community (AUC).
“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. We took time out of our busy engagement to visit President Museveni’s wonderous cattle farm in Kisozi” he revealed in his post.
Notably, akin to the ‘Handshake’ deal between Mr Odinga and former President Uhuru Kenyatta, there was a shift in how the ODM leader referred to Dr Ruto.
Just after the last elections, Odinga had declared to not recognise Ruto as the elected President, only referring to him by name and terming him an illegitimate president.
However, in his post after the Uganda meeting, he diplomatically and respectfully referred to Ruto as ‘President Ruto’ and thanked him for supporting his AUC bid.
“I am very grateful to President Museveni for strongly endorsing my candidacy and to President Ruto for fully backing it,” Odinga posted.
