Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has warned President William Ruto over the debacle being witnessed in the reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
In a statement on Monday, December 9, 2024, after a meeting between the two, the Office of the Fourth President of Kenya noted that Uhuru had warned Ruto that the reconstitution process should be handled with care to promote democracy and transparency.
“President Kenyatta encouraged President Ruto to build broader political consensus that ensures inclusivity in governance and development at all levels. They also discussed the need for a vibrant opposition that is crucial for our democracy. H. E. President Uhuru Kenyatta laid emphasis on specific areas that he felt are crucial in stabilizing the country,” the statement read in part.
“Top among these issues are, transparency and accountability. He stressed that in a democracy, sector practitioners need to be consulted continuously and sustainably because they usually have solutions themselves. Further, to entrench Kenya’s democratic credentials there is urgent need to reconstitute the IEBC in a similar transparent manner. Further continuous engagements are the solution to an all- inclusive democratic process. Even good ideas that are not implemented transparently will create suspicion and mistrust.”
The two leaders, who met in Uhuru’s rural home in Ichaweri also discussed issues of national importance including animosity within the political ranks that has created a hostile atmosphere leading to harassment of individuals perceived to be in opposition or hostile to the Government, matters of taxation that have been raised by Kenyans and possible solutions to them, matters of insecurity and best practice in citizen policing and matters of human capital at all levels capable of resolving these challenges.
“It is normal and common practice and indeed recommended that sitting and former Presidents engage and consult on matters of national importance for the benefit of the citizenry. It is in the light of this that H.E. President Ruto paid a courtesy call to the 4th President of Kenya, H. E. Uhuru Kenyatta at his Ichaweri Residence in Gatundu. The two engaged in discussions pertaining to Kenya’s national interest particularly matters that have been raised by citizens as challenges and handicaps to their well-being,” the statement added.
Uhuru on current govt
Uhuru also called on Ruto to ensure that his administration runs on the principles of accountability and transparency in order to create stability.
The statement adds that Uhuru agreed to be consulted privately or otherwise, in efforts that lead to a hopeful, prosperous united and stable nation.
“In the difficult circumstances that the global community is experiencing, accountability and transparency become the hallmark of stability. He called for a people-centred, service-oriented culture in government actions. On his part, H. E. President Ruto agreed to engage all stakeholders in an effort to remove any unnecessary tension in the country and to propose a reconciliatory way forward. He stressed that the tensions caused by the elections are over and it is time to focus on the future as one people,” the statement added.
