Editor's Review

President William Ruto observed that his predecessor had manifested great value in the efforts toward peace in Ethiopia's Tigray region.

President William Ruto has explained the intrigues behind his choice of former president Uhuru Kenyatta as peace envoy for Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Speaking to France 24, the president cited the value Uhuru had manifested as he steered efforts for a truce between conflicting sides in Tigray and the Great Lakes Region.

"I believe that the former president brings value to the process in Ethiopia and DRC. What was there between him and me was a competition. Kenya being a democracy, we are mature enough to understand that we can compete and still become compatriots. Precisely, that is why I think because he brings value to the process, he should continue to prove leadership," said Ruto.

In his capacity as the chairman of the East African Community (EAC), Uhuru was on record calling for concerted efforts in arresting the crisis in DRC.

During his inauguration on September 13, Ruto informed the country that he had asked his predecessor to continue chairing the peace talks in Ethiopia and the Great Lakes region.

President William Ruto in an interview with France 24's Marc Perelman. Photo: Courtesy.


The Head of State added that his former boss had accepted the role, thanking the retired president for the gesture.

President Ruto further pledged that his government will continue to support the peace initiatives, which will be chaired by the former President.

"I have committed that the Government of Kenya will support those initiatives that will be chaired by former President Uhuru Kenyatta. I want to thank you Uhuru Kenyatta for agreeing to support us and to help me in those interventions,"  President Ruto added.