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Handing over power was not a favour, Ichung'wah tells Uhuru

On Friday, Uhuru said he was not compelled to hand over power to Ruto

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by JAMES MBAKA

News22 July 2023 - 11:07

In Summary


  • The former president spoke at Jomo's, his eldest son, residence after police officers allegedly raided the home.
  • Uhuru said people might have different opinions about his time as President but he knows he did his best.
Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah at a past event.

Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung'wah has blasted former President Uhuru Kenyatta over his remarks on handing over power.

On Friday, the former head of state said he was not compelled to hand over power to President William Ruto, but did so because it was his obligation.

While speaking in Vihiga on Saturday, Ichung'wah said that handing over power was not a favour.

"I heard someone saying yesterday that he is democratic because he handed over power. You never handed over power because you are a democrat, you handed over power because the constitution obligates you to hand over power," he said.

"You never did us any favour. You handed over power because it is a constitutional obligation that you have to meet."

Uhuru said that he may not have supported Ruto but it was the will of the people that he honoured as he exited the office.

"I believed we live in a democracy in Kenya, that is why I handed power. I may not have supported this government, but I accepted the will of the people didn't I? You all saw me in broad daylight, was I forced into that field, I did what I was supposed to do," Uhuru said.

The former president spoke at Jomo's, his eldest son, residence after police officers allegedly raided the home.

Uhuru said people might have different opinions on his time as president but he knows he did his best.

He said in his retirement, he will defend his family at whatever cost.

"I defended Kenya and I did my best for this country. You may have different opinions but according to me. I did the best I could do for my country and I handed over when my time was finished. I will now do my best to defend my family and I won't be intimidated," Uhuru said.

Uhuru warned that his silence should not be mistaken for cowardice, adding that if his family's safety was threatened he was going to defend them.

"As you know I have been quiet. But being quiet does not mean I will not defend my family. I will defend my family and I will defend it to the end," he said.


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