On the sidelines of the summit, President William Ruto and former President Uhuru Kenyatta held a lengthy discussion brokered by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
While the summit agenda revolved around continental priorities like trade expansion and climate action, the closed-door talks between the two Kenyan leaders quickly became the real talking point.
Sources familiar with the engagement described the atmosphere as tense but controlled. The two leaders have rarely spoken directly since the 2022 transition, with disagreements largely playing out through allies and public messaging.
The Addis meeting was reportedly meant to cool tensions and open a path for better coordination, but it instead surfaced deep frustrations on both sides.
Ruto is said to have questioned Kenyatta’s alleged links to anti-government mobilisation and opposition activism.
In response, Kenyatta reportedly raised concerns about his post-presidential treatment, including claims of reduced retirement privileges and pressure touching on family and business interests.
He is said to have stressed the importance of dignity and respect between past and current administrations.
A joint photo released after the meeting showed unity on the surface, but analysts say it masked underlying friction. Still, the image reinforced Kenyatta’s continued influence on regional and global platforms.
With 2027 elections slowly coming into focus, the relationship between the two leaders could significantly shape Kenya’s political direction, especially in the vote-rich Mount Kenya region.