Deputy President William Ruto on Thursday tactically avoided verbal confrontation with President Uhuru Kenyatta, saying he accepts his decision to back Raila Odinga’s presidency.
Speaking a day after Uhuru railed against him, the DP said even though he tirelessly campaigned and voted for his boss in the past, he will live with his verdict to back his competitor. He spoke while campaigning in Kitui.
On Wednesday, at Sagana III, the President endorsed Raila before a hand-picked audience from Mt Kenya and spent most of his time excoriating Ruto, and pointed out his achievements.
I respect the decision of the President to say he supports the person who has never voted for him, who has never supported him. There is no problem. Let us relax now
“I am aware that my friend, the President of the Republic of Kenya, has decided in his democratic right to support my competitor. I respect his decision and opinion,” the DP said.
The DP’s measured public reaction to his boss’s choice appeared tactical, avoiding verbal confrontation with the head of state whom he still referred to as "my friend".
A fortnight ago, the DP hit back at his boss after the President accused him of endless campaigns from atop vehicles, sparking ferocious exchanges.
“I respect the decision of the President to say that he supports the person who has never voted for him, who has never supported him. There is no problem. Let us relax now," Ruto said.
On Wednesday, a visibly angry Uhuru assailed his deputy, describing him as a man who thrives on campaigns of lies fuelled by stolen funds.
The President, who was addressing his Mt Kenya backyard, sought to persuade the region to vote for Raila — once vilified by Uhuru — and shun Ruto "until he reforms".
However, Ruto said the President is not his competition in the State House race, adding he was ready face Raila at the ballot.
He dared Raila, his strongest challenger in the race, to move out of the President's shadow and face him head on.
He dared Raila to a political duel, a contest he said will be won on policies and programmes to transform the country not "endorsement".
“And, therefore, I ask Mr Kitendawili (Raila) not to hide behind President Uhuru Kenyatta. He must step forward and compete with me,” Ruto said.
He said, "The people of Kenya will decide. Almost 50 million people in Kenya will decide who the next leader of our country will be."
The DP spoke in Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka’s Kitui county backyard where he rallied the residents to support him.
Let us pray for Uhuru to emulate Kibaki. When he retired, he went home peacefully without telling people to vote for this person
Ruto was accompanied by Ford Kenya leader Moses Wetang'ula, Tharaka Nithi Senator Kithure Kindiki, former Machakos Senator Johnson Muthama and a local leaders.
“I also know we have a plan, we have an agenda and we are a team. We have a plan for the people of Kenya. On top of that, we have a track record,” he said.
Wetang'ula said while the President enjoys the right to endorse Raila, he urged him to follow in the footsteps of his predecessor, retired President Mwai Kibaki, who retired peacefully after the end of his term. He made no endorsements and did not try to shape his succession.
He said the President appeared a bitter man, something he said was dangerous for the country.
“Let us pray for Uhuru to emulate Kibaki. When he retired, he went home peacefully without telling people to vote for this person,” he said.
Kindiki said they respect the President’s verdict but urged him to not "force us" to elect Raila as his successor.
“We are asking the President to kindly respect clergymen. Respect the church. You can abuse our fellow politicians but respect church leaders,” he said.
Many clerics have deplored the vitriolic exchanges between the President and his deputy. One recently dared put his head above the parapet and urge the President to stop trying to manage his succession.
(Edited by V. Graham)
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