President William Ruto was on Tuesday, September 13, sworn-in as the fifth president taking over from retiring President Uhuru Kenyatta.
In his maiden address to the Nation after being sworn in as Head of State, President Ruto tasked his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta to lead peace initiatives in the region.
The appointment came as a shock considering the fact that Uhuru was supporting former Prime Minister Raila Odinga to succeed him.
Political analyst and governance expert Javas Bigambo said that by offering him the opportunity, the Head of State placed Uhuru at crossroads.
Bigambo said with such a role at hand, the former President who also chairs the opposition’s Azimio La Umoja council will have a hard time criticizing the Kenya Kwanza government.
“By appointing former President Kenyatta as a peace envoy for Great Lakes and Ethiopia, President Ruto effectively reduces Uhuru’s possible onslaught on his government through Azimio. Also secludes Raila. Paralysis of opposition perhaps,” Bigambo said in a Tweet.
Already, President William Ruto has been going for Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition party leaders in what analysts say is aimed at weakening the opposition.
While tasking him with new roles after his retirement, President Ruto pointed out that his successor had done a commendable job in steering peace initiatives.
“On the peace initiatives in our region including both in Ethiopia and Great Lakes Region, I have asked my elder brother President Uhuru Kenyatta who has done commendable engagement with those regions and he has graciously agreed to continue chairing those discussions on behalf of the people of Kenya,” Ruto said.
In his new role, Uhuru will be tasked with traveling to represent the country aboard and will continue interacting with international leaders, heads of state, and presidents, bringing them together and fostering peace.
