In a reflective statement following President William Ruto’s recent meeting with former President Uhuru Kenyatta in Gatundu, Moses Kuria, former Cabinet Secretary and current economic advisor to Ruto, acknowledged past mistakes and advocated for constitutional changes
Kuria admitted that Ruto and his allies were wrong to oppose the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) and emphasized the need to revisit the reform agenda to address pressing national issues.
Kenya at a Crossroads
Kuria described Kenya as being at a critical juncture, calling for patriotism and selflessness in decision-making. He praised the meeting between Ruto and Kenyatta as a testament to Kenya’s ability to rise above political crises.
“Closing ranks and forgiving each other is much easier than dealing with the aftermath of a failed state,” Kuria remarked.
He commended the formation of a broad-based government that includes leaders such as Prime Minister Raila Odinga, highlighting it as a step toward national unity.
A Message to the Mt. Kenya Region
Addressing the Mt. Kenya region, Kuria urged leaders to reflect on their political direction, particularly in the wake of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment.
“Our region cannot operate in a business-as-usual fashion anymore,” he stated, warning against divisive politics.
He also applauded Kenyatta for resisting efforts to isolate the region, calling for unity among Mt. Kenya leaders to strengthen their political voice.
A Shift in Perspective on BBI
Kuria openly admitted that opposing the BBI initiative was a mistake, crediting the efforts of former President Kenyatta and Prime Minister Raila Odinga for their vision of inclusivity and governance reforms.
“They were right, and we were wrong,” he confessed.
Kuria called for a revival of the constitutional reform process, dubbing it “BBI Season 2.” He urged Ruto, Kenyatta, and Odinga to unite and lead the country toward a more inclusive and transparent governance framework.
“This country needs a Constitution that reflects the emerging realities of our nation and society,” he added.
Reviving Jubilee and Regional Political Strength
Kuria advocated for the dissolution of smaller political parties in the Mt. Kenya region to rebuild the Jubilee Party as a unified voice for the area.
“Mt. Kenya deserves a strong political voice. It was a mistake to abandon Jubilee, but it’s not too late to rebuild.”
He emphasized that lessons from the past should guide the region’s future political strategies.
Supporting Ruto’s Outreach Efforts
Kuria also endorsed President Ruto’s recent efforts to engage various stakeholders in addressing national tensions and promoting unity.
“The elections are behind us. It is time to focus on the future as one people,” he said.
Kuria concluded by reiterating the importance of reconciliation and collaboration to achieve long-term stability and prosperity for Kenya.
