President William Ruto on Wednesday, November 2, lauded his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta for delivering on his first international job within months of his appointment.
In a dispatch from State House, Ruto commended Uhuru for brokering a ceasefire in neighbouring Ethiopia ending a two-year civil war.
Uhuru was part of the delegation that secured a truce between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the leadership of Tigray.
"I commend the AU High Representative for the Horn of Africa Olusegun Obasanjo,Uhuru Kenyatta and Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuke for their facilitation and tireless efforts, wisdom, patience and unity of purpose that brought this day of peace that heralds a bright future for the people of Ethiopia," Ruto remarked.
Ruto saluted the Ethiopian leaders for their resolve reaffirming Kenya's support for peace and security in the country.
"I salute the great people of Ethiopia, for whom I wish an era of cohesion, integration and reconciliation. The mutual agreement will create the necessary environment to nurture durable peace and political stability in Ethiopia," the statement read in part.
Speaking to the media after the pact between Abiy and the Tigray Leadership was confirmed, Uhuru maintained that the panel had only one message to the conflicting leaders.
"Violence bullets and guns will not be the solution. Ultimately, as has been the case with waring Ethiopian parties today.
"The lasting solution can only come through political dialogue: people sitting, engaging and agreeing that they have differences, and accommodate the diversities while still remaining a united Ethiopia or still a united Africa," Uhuru stated.
The talks began in October 25, after Uhuru had raised concerns that the peace engagement had coincided with other international assignments in his schedule.
At the time, Uhuru, who serves as Kenya's special envoy to Ethiopia, also urged the organizers to clarify the protocols to be followed in the mediation process.
"Regrettably, I wish to notify you that I will not be able to attend the AU-Convened Peace Talks in South Africa owing to conflicts in my schedule.
“However, in the interim, and as you consider the possibility for another date for the peace talks, I would be grateful to receive further clarity on the structure and modalities of the talks, including but not limited to the rules of engagement for all the interlocutors invited,” the statement read in part.
