President Ruto, Uhuru Kenyatta Share Stage in Congo [Video]

Former president Uhuru Kenyatta and his successor William Ruto on Saturday, January 20, shared a platform for the first time in many months.

The duo graced the inauguration of President Felix Tshisekedi at the Martyrs Stadium in Kinshasa and sat just a few metres away from each other. 

Tshisekedi was re-elected the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) president for the second term after securing a dominant 73.47% of the vote, routing his main opposition opponent Moise Katumbi who garnered 18.08%.

Uhuru, flying a Ugandan aircraft, landed in Kinshasa on Friday, January 19, a day before the inauguration.

"Uhuru arrived at N'Djili International Airport in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) ahead of the inauguration ceremony of the president-elect H.E. Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo. The ceremony is slated for tomorrow Saturday 20th January 2024 at the Martyrs Stadium in Kinshasa," said his communication.

On D-Day, Ruto would land in the company of Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and other ranking government officials. 

The two leaders have been pursuing efforts in the eastern DRC where rebels have been terrorising civilians as they face off with the government troops.

During his inauguration last year, Ruto asked Uhuru to continue chairing the peace talks in Ethiopia and the Great Lakes region.

"On peace initiative in our region, in Ethiopia and the Great Lakes region, I have asked my elder brother, President Uhuru Kenyatta, to continue chairing peace discussions in our region on behalf of the people of Kenya," President Ruto said.

Uhuru has been the facilitator of the EAC-led Nairobi Peace Process aimed at resolving the conflict.

He assumed the role in his capacity as the chairman of the East African Community (EAC) chairman during his presidential term.