This archive report was first published on 8 October 2019.
As the 2022 general election draws near, a secret plot to reconcile President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto has been unfolding behind the scenes. The move aims to reunite the two leaders whose relationship has been deteriorating over the past few years.
According to sources, the key cohorts of the two leaders have enlisted respected clerics and elders from the Kikuyu and Kalenjin communities to play a crucial role in the reconciliation process. The plan is to use National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi and Senate Speaker Ken Lusaka as go-betweens to facilitate a meeting between Uhuru and Ruto.
Muturi, a close confidante of the President, has a long-standing relationship with Uhuru, dating back to their days in Kanu. Ruto, on the other hand, has a lot of reverence for Muturi, which makes him an ideal candidate to play a key role in the reconciliation process.
Lusaka, a close ally of the Deputy President, was brokered by Ruto to become the Senate Speaker. Both speakers have successfully rallied legislators to the government's cause, making them crucial players in the reconciliation process.
As part of the deal, the truce brokers have made significant strides in negotiating a pact between Uhuru and Ruto. One of the key achievements is the stopping of Kalenjin hardliners, including Senator Kipchumba Murkomen and MP Oscar Sudi, from openly attacking Uhuru, a move that was seen to have the blessings of Ruto.
Many have noted that the two leaders have toned down their rhetoric in recent times, a move that is seen as a positive step towards reconciliation. The peace brokers want to have the presidency respected first to avoid having two centers of power in the Jubilee government, something that they claim has been exploited by Raila.
Another issue that has been identified as a cause of the bad blood between the DP faction and a section of cabinet secretaries allied to Uhuru is their fate in the post-Uhuru era if Ruto wins. Fear has been that they will be dropped immediately from plum slots, which will be taken over by DP men.
As part of the truce, Uhuru is said to be warming up to the idea of slowing down his engagements with Raila. The President has postponed his planned trip to Mount Kenya region in the company of the ODM leader, a move that is seen as a positive step towards reconciliation.
Uhuru has also endorsed footballer McDonald Mariga's candidature in the Kibra by-election, a surprise move that complicates the contest.
