Uhuru Kenyatta, former president of Kenya, attended the closing ceremony of Ethiopia’s National Dialogue Conference in Addis Ababa on August 22, 2026. During his remarks, Kenyatta called for international recognition of Ethiopia’s Gadaa system, a traditional Oromo governance structure. He described the system as a vital part of Ethiopia’s cultural heritage. The event took place at the Addis International Convention Center.
Kenyatta’s visit followed an official invitation from Ethiopia. His attendance came amid political tensions, including accusations from Kenyan President Ruto. The National Dialogue Conference aimed to address regional conflicts and promote national unity. The Gadaa system, which involves rotating leadership and communal decision-making, has been a subject of interest for scholars and policymakers.
The conference concluded with discussions on governance and reconciliation. Kenyatta’s remarks emphasized the importance of preserving indigenous systems. His call for global recognition reflects growing interest in traditional governance models. The event underscored Ethiopia’s efforts to balance modern governance with cultural traditions.
