Deputy President William Ruto on Friday, March 4, held a closed-door meeting with officials of the United State government at White House, Washington DC.
In a statement released by Ruto's communication team, it was indicated that the discussions centered around Kenya's relationship with the US.
Additionally, they discussed the state of Kenya's democratic space ahead of the August 9 polls.
"Kenya’s Deputy President Dr William Ruto & former Vice President Musalia Mudavadi led a delegation that was hosted at the White House in Washington DC today.
"In a closed-door meeting, they discussed issues of strategic partnership between USA & Kenya, including sustaining Kenya’s trajectory as a Constitutional democracy," read the statement in part.
Ruto was accompanied by Amani National Congress (ANC) party leader Musalia Mudavadi, former Foreign Affairs Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) Ababu Namwamba, Nakuru Senator Susan Kihika, and Kandara Member of Parliament Alice Wahome.
However, it was not indicated if the DP met with US President Joe Biden or his deputy Kamala Harris.
In an earlier statement that was sent to the newsrooms on February 24, it was indicated that the DP was to hold meetings with officials from various US security agencies.
"The Deputy President is scheduled to meet among others officials of the State Department and the Pentagon as well as the US government National Security Council (NSC)," read the statement then.
In previous meetings, the DP raised concerns over the credibility of the August 9 polls. Ruto claimed that there were attempts to manipulate the outcome of the election results.
"In fact, if you understand a little bit of Kiswahili, that's what informs the current push by many Kenyans to say 'hatupangwigwi' (we cannot be forced to take a particular stand). Meaning we want to make our choices without being choreographed, chaperoned, blackmailed, or intimidated," the DP stated.
Consequently, the DP's communication team released a statement stating that the US assured them that they would keenly monitor the elections to ensure that the polls are free and fair.
The DP is also expected to fly out to the United Kingdom to meet various government officials and the head of the Anglican Church and Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby.
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