Former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) president Nelson Havi has dismissed the political significance of former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s role in the Mt Kenya region, following a surprise meeting between Kenyatta and his successor, President William Ruto. The meeting, held at Kenyatta’s Gatundu home on Monday, reportedly aimed to discuss national unity and address tribal divisions in Kenya.
The encounter between the two leaders came as a shock to many, considering the strained relationship they have maintained since Ruto served as deputy president under Kenyatta’s administration. Their fallout was cemented when Kenyatta openly refused to support Ruto’s 2022 presidential bid, opting instead to back opposition leader Raila Odinga. Despite their history, the meeting has ignited speculation about a possible rekindling of political alliances.
Speaking on Citizen TV’s Day Break program on Wednesday, Nelson Havi expressed skepticism about the meeting’s political implications. He downplayed Kenyatta’s ability to influence the vote-rich Mt Kenya region, asserting that the former president no longer represents the interests of the area.
“Uhuru Kenyatta has only one vote and no longer represents Mt Kenya,” Havi stated. “There is talk of a further coalition government above the coalition between President Ruto and Raila Odinga; to what end?”
Questions Around National Unity and Political Reconfigurations
President Ruto’s meeting with Kenyatta has fueled speculation about a broader political reorganization, with some analysts hinting at the possibility of reviving aspects of the contentious Building Bridges Initiative (BBI). The BBI, championed by Kenyatta and Odinga in 2019, aimed to amend Kenya’s constitution to expand the executive and foster inclusivity. However, it faced significant backlash and was ultimately declared unconstitutional by the courts.
Havi criticized any attempt to revive the BBI agenda, labeling it as a regressive move. “Whoever conceives of a rebirth of the BBI enterprise should be perceived through that prism no longer interested in what is key,” he argued.
Havi further urged Kenyans to remain vigilant against what he described as a “nefarious scheme” by political elites seeking to reorganize themselves for their own benefit. “I do not see why people should be jolted. These three people have tried this thing before, and Kenyans should stay informed,” he said, referring to Ruto, Kenyatta, and Odinga.
The Evolution of Political Alliances
The meeting comes in the wake of a significant political evolution since the August 2022 presidential election, where Odinga narrowly lost to Ruto in a highly contested race. Odinga’s subsequent legal challenge of the election results was unsuccessful, leading to a period of heightened political tension.
In 2023, Odinga organized mass protests against Ruto’s administration, accusing it of failing to address the cost of living and other pressing issues. Despite the confrontations, the two leaders later reconciled, with Ruto endorsing Odinga for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship.
This reconciliation, coupled with the recent Ruto-Kenyatta meeting, has raised questions about whether a new political framework is being forged. Some observers believe the developments signal a strategic effort to unify political leaders ahead of future elections.
Mt Kenya’s Waning Trust in Political Elites
Havi’s remarks reflect a broader sentiment of disillusionment among Mt Kenya voters, who have voiced frustration over unmet promises and lack of tangible development. Both Kenyatta and Ruto, despite hailing from the region, have faced criticism for failing to address key issues affecting their constituents.
The region remains a significant political battleground, with its large voter base often determining the outcome of national elections. However, as Havi pointed out, the recent meeting may do little to shift voter sentiments.
“Mt Kenya voters are no longer swayed by political theatrics,” he noted. “They are keen on leaders who deliver on their promises, not those engaging in self-serving alliances.”
Conclusion
While the Ruto-Kenyatta meeting has sparked widespread debate, its long-term implications for Kenya’s political landscape remain uncertain. As the country approaches future elections, leaders will likely need to demonstrate genuine commitment to addressing the concerns of ordinary Kenyans, rather than relying on symbolic gestures and alliances. Whether this meeting represents a turning point or another chapter in Kenya’s political drama is yet to be seen.
