President William Ruto has explained the reason behind his decision to pay an unexpected courtesy call on his predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta, despite their relationship often being perceived as strained.
Speaking in Wajir County on Tuesday, December 10, Ruto explained that he reached out to his former boss to sort out their differences which emerged ahead of the 2022 polls.
According to the President, he intended to close ranks with Uhuru and consolidate the unity of the country.
He expressed that all Kenyans needed to unite and work together despite the differences that they have had.
“Hakuna haja ya kuendesha mambo ya ubaguzi katika Kenya, hatutaki ukabila, hatutaki migawanyiko, chuki….tunataka tuungane tukuwe Kenya moja,” he said.
“Na ndio kwa sababu nimeongea na former Prime Minister Raila Odinga na nimeongea jana na mheshimiwa Uhuru Kenyatta…tufunge ranks zetu zote…tuwe nchi moja, tutembee pamoja, tujenge nchi yetu pamoja.”
Ruto made the remarks a day after visiting the former President who opposed his presidential bid.
According to State House, the two leaders discussed matters of national and regional importance including the candidacy of Raila at the African Union Commission.
On his part, Uhuru added that they discussed various concerns raised by Kenyans including taxation and the constitution of the electoral body.
“President Uhuru agreed to be consulted privately or otherwise, in efforts that lead to a hopeful, prosperous united and stable Nation,” the Office of the 4th President noted in a statement.
“On his part, HE President Ruto agreed to engage all stakeholders in an effort to remove any unnecessary tension in the country and to propose a reconciliatory way forward. He stressed that the tensions caused by the elections are over and it is time to focus on the future as one people.”
