Uhuru Meets President-elect Ruto at State House Ahead of His Swearing-in

Outgoing President Kenyatta has hosted his successor William Ruto ahead of his swearing-in on Tuesday.

The president-elect and his wife Rachel Ruto arrived at State House, Nairobi at 4.00 pm on Monday, where they were received by Kenyatta and outgoing First Lady Margret Kenyatta at the main entrance.

Kenyatta and Ruto have had a frosty relationship since 2018 when the former made a peace pact (handshake) with ODM leader Raila Odinga whom he supported in the August 9th presidential election.

In his speech last Monday after the Supreme Court upheld his election, Ruto divulged that he had not talked with Kenyatta for months.

"I haven’t talked to Uhuru Kenyatta in months but shortly I will call him so that we can have a conversation on the process of transition. I know he worked hard in his own way but the people of Kenya have made a decision," said Ruto.

The president-elect has promised to honor and respect Kenyatta even though he chose to support his main rival in the just concluded election.

“I know he [Kenyatta] worked hard in his own way, but the people of Kenya have made a decision, and we have absolutely no issue with the democratic decision of any Kenyan,” Ruto said.

He added: “When I chose Uhuru Kenyatta, I did not give him any conditions. So I take no offence at all that he chose to support another person. And therefore, we will remain friends in the context of where we are.”

Ruto, 55, will be sworn in on Tuesday, officially taking over from President Kenyatta.