Ruto-Raila 'Surprise' Union

On the evening of Monday, 26th, pictures featuring Azimio leader Raila Odinga alongside President William Ruto in Yoweri Museveni's Kisozi farm in Uganda surfaced online throwing supporters and rivals alike into a frenzy. 

The visit by the president and the opposition leader to Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni left Kenyans wondering whether the two were working on a possible handshake deal similar to the one between Raila and former president Uhuru Kenyatta in 2018. 

 Ruto stated on X that the purpose of the meeting was to deliberate on Odinga's candidacy for the chairmanship of the African Union (AU) Commission. Odinga has subsequently conveyed his appreciation to the two leaders for endorsing his candidacy. This comes against the backdrop of Raila announcing his AUC Chairmanship bid amid speculations of a possible government endorsement for the job.

"Kenya and Uganda are committed to the deepening of the long-established diplomatic and economic ties between our two countries. This relationship includes bringing all the seven East African Community nations closer in their ultimate goal to form the East African Political Federation," wrote Ruto. 

Ruto and Museveni went on to discuss critical issues affecting both countries such as energy and petroleum. 

He added, "Had the pleasure of meeting President Yoweri Museveni at his Kisozi country home in Uganda. We discussed critical issues that affect our two countries such as energy and petroleum."

Moments later, Museveni also made the announcement confirming the meeting.   

Even as Kenyans continue to speculate, the pattern continued to play out when Ruto toured Raila's backyard as the guest speaker at the Homa Bay County's second International Investment Conference on Tuesday. The president delivered a keynote address at the Tom Mboya University where the event took place. 

President William Ruto welcomed by Governor Gladys Wanga when he arrived for the Homa Bay Investment Conference.

President William Ruto clarified his endorsement of Azimio leader Raila Odinga for the position of Chairperson of the African Union Commission. He disclosed on Tuesday that his decision to support Raila for the AUC position was deliberate, citing his leadership as one of an inclusive government that has no losers.

Ruto reminded the residents of the Nyanza region how, during his previous visit to Homa Bay County, he had urged them to remain calm as he strategized for Raila's candidacy.

Addressing the Homa Bay Investment Conference at Tom Mboya University grounds on Tuesday, President Ruto emphasized the significance of national unity.

"I told you when I was speaking at the market near here, but you didn't believe me then...I remember telling you that we want to unite the country, we want to work together for the unity of Kenya."

'I said I will plan and as you can see and let us pray." 

President Ruto further stated his desire for a mutually beneficial outcome that includes all, including those in the opposition who may have felt left out.

"There is room for all of us in Kenya, you don't win by making others lose...those in opposition must mean well for Kenya...there are no citizens who are in opposition...it is only these leaders who have a job in parliament...all Kenyans are on the same side."

Raila Odinga with Gender CS Aisha Jumwa at Capitol Hill in Nairobi on February 27

Earlier in the day, Raila hosted the Multi-Sectoral Working Group led by Gender CS Aisha Jumwa at his Capitol Hill office to deliberate on the elusive two-thirds gender rule.