Deputy President William Ruto has reacted to President Uhuru Kenyatta's endorsement of ODM leader Raila Odinga as his preferred candidate in the August 9 General Elections.
Speaking while addressing a rally on Thursday, February 24, the DP stated that he respects Uhuru's decision to endorse Raila for the top seat despite voting and campaigning for him in past elections.
"Naheshimu uamuzi wa rais wa kusema anataka kuunga mkono mtu wa vitendawili lakini najua hatushindani na Uhuru Kenyatta. Si mimi nilipigia Uhuru Kenyatta na nilimsupport? Kwani kitendawili aliwahi pigia kura Uhuru Kenyatta?
"Lakini naheshimu uamuzi wa rais wa kusema yule ambaye hajawahi mpigia kura yeye anataka kumuunda mkono, hiyo ni sawa," DP Ruto said.
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Speaking at the Sagana State Lodge on Wednesday, February 23, Uhuru urged Kenyans to support ODM leader Raila's presidency bid arguing that DP Ruto could wait.
"I appeal you to support Raila. Help him to the top. Even my friend Ruto, he can become president someday akishika line. Tushikilie huyo Mzee (Raila) mara hii, huyo kijana (Ruto) tutafikiria baadaye
"Let's hold the old man's hand and if the other young man also reforms, I have not stopped anyone from supporting him," Uhuru said.
On the same day, DP Ruto asked the former Prime Minister to stop bothering the Head of State with campaigning for him and let him retire gracefully after serving his two terms in August.
He accused the Azimio team of misusing the president.
“Stop bothering our President Uhuru Kenyatta. Please, we are asking our competitors to stop trying to use the president; the man we elected who has completed his duty. Stop misusing him to try and campaign for an unpopular project
“You are abusing the matters of the President of Kenya. We want the President to retire with honour and respect. Do not assign him duties that are unpopular and responsibilities that have no meaning,” DP Ruto said.
