Inside President Ruto and Uhuru Kenyatta Two-day Secret Meeting in Boston, USA.
In September 2024, a surprising political development unfolded when President William Ruto met his predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta, for a confidential meeting in Boston, USA. The encounter marked a significant turning point in their relationship, following four years of hostility and rivalry.
Sources revealed that the two-day meeting aimed not only to reconcile the leaders but also to stabilize a politically fragile Kenya.
This historic dialogue, held after months of delicate negotiations led by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, involved only Ruto and Uhuru. Odinga, who had already reconciled with Ruto, played a pivotal role in orchestrating the meeting.
Reconciliation Efforts and Political Motivations
Uhuru had initially been hesitant to engage Ruto, whom he had previously deemed unfit for office. Ruto, on the other hand, had accused Uhuru of fueling opposition-led protests over the high cost of living. High-level sources confirmed that the meeting’s timing was strategic, coinciding with domestic unrest over corruption and economic mismanagement.
President Ruto’s trip to the United States for the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) served as a cover for the Boston meeting. After concluding his duties in New York, Ruto traveled 347 kilometers to meet Uhuru. The meeting occurred amidst mounting national protests, including a dramatic storming of Parliament by Generation Z two months earlier.
Political Alliances Reshape Kenya’s Leadership
Observers noted that the Boston meeting was a crucial step toward mending political rifts and securing stability. Raila Odinga’s mediation efforts were instrumental, convincing Uhuru to meet Ruto despite initial reluctance. A senior official stated that the meeting was essential for fostering unity and potentially securing Mount Kenya’s support for Ruto in the 2027 elections.
Uhuru’s influence in the Mount Kenya region remains significant, making his support vital for Ruto’s political strategy. However, historian Macharia Munene suggested that any alliance between the two leaders would be fraught with challenges, given past tensions and Ruto’s controversial leadership.
Public Reconciliation and Strategic Apologies
In November 2024, Ruto and Uhuru shared a platform in Embu County, alongside Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. This marked their first joint appearance in Kenya since Ruto’s inauguration. Gachagua’s recent impeachment added intrigue to the event, as he publicly apologized to the Kenyatta family for past political attacks.
At the Embu event, Uhuru emphasized unity and mutual respect among leaders and citizens. Analysts interpreted the gathering as a public test of the reconciliation efforts initiated in Boston. Prof. Munene observed that the meeting underscored Ruto’s desperation to secure alliances amid growing criticism over economic mismanagement and human rights abuses.
Broader Implications for Governance
Ruto’s administration has faced mounting opposition, with critics citing corruption, economic failures, and rising authoritarianism.
The Boston meeting was seen as a strategic move to strengthen political backing ahead of the 2027 elections. Uhuru and Odinga’s influence appeared crucial for Ruto’s re-election bid, with their allies already securing key Cabinet positions and principal secretary slots.
Read Also: Mount Kenya Politics: Ruto, Uhuru, and Raila’s Political Realignment
Activist Boniface Mwangi criticized the alliance, arguing that it merely united political elites who had exploited the public. He described the collaboration as superficial, warning that it would not address Kenya’s systemic issues.
Despite these criticisms, the meeting marked a significant realignment in Kenya’s political landscape, highlighting the shifting dynamics among its leaders.
Looking Ahead to 2027
The Boston meeting signified a turning point, with Ruto banking on alliances with Uhuru and Raila to bolster his 2027 campaign.
While some viewed the reconciliation as a positive step toward stability, others remained skeptical about its long-term impact. As Kenya navigates these political shifts, the focus remains on achieving broader inclusivity and addressing the country’s pressing challenges.
