Ruto and Uhuru Hold Talks After Budget Scandal

Amidst the escalating budget scandal, President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto held a closed-door meeting on Wednesday. The high-stakes encounter took place at State House, Nairobi, with the aim of addressing the unfolding crisis. The scandal, which has rocked the country and raised concerns about rampant corruption and mismanagement of public funds, has implicated several high-ranking government officials. President Kenyatta’s promise of swift action against those responsible has put pressure on the leadership to deliver accountability and restore public trust. According to sources close to the meeting, the two leaders discussed a wide range of issues, including the ongoing investigations, the implications for the government, and potential measures to address the public outcry. Ruto, who is at the forefront of the fight against corruption, has reportedly presented a comprehensive plan to the President outlining possible steps to tackle the systemic issues. The outcome of the meeting is still unclear, but it is expected that a joint statement will be issued in the coming days. Observers believe that the meeting between Kenyatta and Ruto is a crucial step towards addressing the scandal and restoring public confidence in the government’s ability to manage the country’s finances responsibly. The budget scandal has cast a shadow over Kenya’s economic prospects and has raised concerns among the international community about the country’s commitment to transparency and accountability. The Kenyatta administration is under immense pressure to demonstrate its willingness to combat corruption and uphold the rule of law. The upcoming joint statement is expected to provide further insights into the government’s response to the scandal and its plans to address the underlying issues. It remains to be seen whether the meeting will lead to concrete actions and meaningful reforms aimed at restoring trust and strengthening the country’s institutions.President William Ruto Meets with Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta

President William Ruto Meets with Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta

President William Ruto and his predecessor, retired President Uhuru Kenyatta, recently met to discuss the functioning of the retired president’s office, according to Speaker of the House of Representatives Hussein Mohamed.

Budget Concerns Raised

Spokesperson for the Office of the Fourth President Kanze Dena had previously alleged that the office had been deprived of funds. Only Sh28 million of the Sh655 million allocated for the 2022-23 financial year had been received, leaving the office with a mere 4.4% of its budget. The situation has not improved in the current financial year, as none of the Sh503 million allocated has been received. Kanze stated that salaries and health insurance have been paid, but the amount was not disclosed.

Personal Expenses

The budget shortfall has forced former President Uhuru Kenyatta to cover part of his expenses from his pocket, Kanze said.

Vehicle Ownership Questions

The office has also clarified that Uhuru is using vehicles handed over on a temporary basis, and those used at the handover ceremony in September 2022. Kanze claimed that a conversation regarding the purchase of these vehicles had been initiated but remains unresolved.

Office Status

Kanze stated that Uhuru is yet to be provided with a fully furnished and maintained office, as previously claimed. The House of Representatives had specified that the office in Nyari should be used by Uhuru.

Budget Estimates

The office distanced itself from budget estimates presented in Parliament, claiming that they had no input in the allocation of Sh450 million for the 2025/26 financial year and Sh475 million for 2026/27.

Ruto and Uhuru Hold Talks After Budget Scandal

President William Ruto and former President Uhuru Kenyatta held talks at State House, Nairobi, on Tuesday, following the recent budget scandal. The meeting comes amid ongoing investigations into the alleged misappropriation of funds allocated to various government ministries and departments. Sources close to the presidency say that Ruto and Kenyatta discussed the scandal and its implications for the government’s credibility. They also explored ways to prevent such incidents in the future. The talks were described as cordial and productive. Both leaders emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in government spending. The budget scandal, which came to light in September, has raised concerns about the handling of public funds. The alleged irregularities include inflated invoices, double payments, and unauthorized procurement practices. The scandal has led to the suspension of several government officials, including Cabinet Secretaries and Principal Secretaries. Ruto has vowed to crack down on corruption and has ordered a thorough investigation into the matter. He has also directed the relevant authorities to take stern action against those responsible. The talks between Ruto and Kenyatta indicate the government’s commitment to addressing the scandal and restoring public trust in the administration.