Deputy President William made an about-turn over President Uhuru Kenyatta's performance in his second term and showered the Head of State with praises during Mashujaa Day celebrations.
Speaking at Wang'uru Stadium in Kirinyaga county on Wednesday, Ruto said the country has seen what he termed "unprecedented transformation" in the last nine years under the leadership of Uhuru.
“You have been a transformational leader in Kenya. You have set the standards for the leaders who will come after you,” the Deputy President said.
Ruto recently said Uhuru has wasted four years of his second term because of his handshake with ODM leader Raila Odinga. He has argued that the government lost its way when it brought onboard opposition leaders.
Ruto has been criticising Uhuru's administration’s and even termed the push for constitutional amendments as the biggest fraud that ever happened in Kenya.
The duo’s relationship has broken down in the past four years over differences related to Uhuru's succession.
But on Wednesday, the Deputy President said Uhuru's legacy will be unparalleled after he leaves office next year. “Your place in the history of Kenya is not only secure but also prominent,” Ruto said.
Ruto said Kenyans honour the President for his commitment to the development of the country.
“On this day, we also celebrate you as our leader.”
He cited the SGR, the construction of over 11,000km of tarmac and the connection of eight million Kenyans to electricity as some of the milestones achieved by the Jubilee administration.
“I want to assure you that together with my competitors, we will build on your legacy. We will not let any project remain incomplete,” he assured.
“As your deputy, I will make sure that your legacy and the agenda you have set of the unity of the nation, the Big Four together with the bottom-up approach will take the country to greater heights.”
His remarks came barely a week after he accused the President of standing on his way as he plots to succeed him.
He termed Uhuru and Raila "matapeli" (conmen).
And on Monday, Uhuru took a swipe at his deputy during a rally in Sagana, Kirinyaga county.
Speaking in his native Kikuyu language, the President asked Mt Kenya residents to make a wise decision come 2022.
On Wednesday, Ruto further committed to ensuring Kenyans remain peaceful.
Edited by P.O
