Uhuru, Ruto reunite publicly for DRC peace talks
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The occasion was the EAC–SADC joint summit on the DRC peace process, where Uhuru, in his role as the East African Community’s peace facilitator, joined regional leaders, including Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
But beyond the diplomacy, the visit offered a rare moment of camaraderie between the current and former president.
After the official session, President Ruto took Uhuru on a casual walk around the expansive State House grounds.
He could be seen showing him the ongoing renovations that have transformed the seat of power since his administration took over.
In the photos and video clips shared by the State House, Uhuru appeared keenly interested, pausing to admire the facelift, including modern architectural updates, fresh landscaping, and the newly completed State Pavilion.
The pavilion now serves as Ruto’s working office while the main building undergoes refurbishment.
The two leaders were seen chatting warmly, sharing laughter and observations as they walked side by side, offering a symbolic image of continuity and maturity in leadership.
The brief tour ended with Ruto seeing him off in a gesture that struck many as both respectful and reconciliatory.
Uhuru’s visit, though official in nature, carried deep political significance.
It was the clearest public sign yet of a potential easing of tensions between the two leaders, whose relationship soured in the lead-up to the 2022 elections.
The new structure is adopting a new flat-roof design, a departure from the old red roofing design which has long defined its architecture.
It features a more modern aesthetic, with only one dormer atop the front part of the building.
The previous design had two dormers; one displaying both the presidential standard and the East African Community (EAC) flag, while the other displayed the Kenyan flag, rising above the roof line.
Constructed by a Chinese contractor, the renovations are part of an effort to modernise the nearly century-old structure.
The works commenced in December 2023 and are set to be completed this year.
The building, originally designed and built in 1907 by British architect Herbert Baker, was known as Government House.
The building has not undergone any major renovation since then, raising concerns about its structural stability, forcing the president to order a facelift.
When he assumed office, some minor improvements were made to the residence, including a fresh coat of paint.
The changes also saw the demolition of the old wooden-made state pavilion facing the main building and replacement with a new one, which Ruto has been using to conduct both private and official meetings.
The premise's front courtyard, which had an asphalt surface, was also patched out and fitted with grey cabros.
In the 2024/25 Financial Year, the initial amount set for the renovation of Nairobi State House was Sh195 million but was revised upwards by Sh600 million in the mini-budget.
