President Uhuru Kenyatta has spoken out about the controversy sparked by a leaked audio recording of his deputy William Ruto saying he almost slapped him for almost giving up his seat after their election was declared invalid in 2017.
Addressing the issue that has dominated political discourse for nearly a week, Kenyatta stated that if Ruto had dared to slap him, he would have handled it according to the Bible, which states that “if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.”
Kenyatta, who was speaking during a meeting with religious leaders from Mount Kenya at State House Nairobi, explained that after the Supreme Court nullified his election, he was willing to relinquish the seat for the sake of peace in the country, which is why Ruto became agitated.
“Let me ask you because he (my deputy) has been telling you that I made a mistake by shaking Raila’s hands, have you heard of chaos or violence between people from different communities since then?” Has there been no peace since 2018? “Tell me what I did that they said they wanted to slap me for,” Kenyatta said.
“If he had slapped me, I would have turned the other cheek because I have no time or place for violence,” he added.
The president went on to say that his deputy and others were unwilling to engage in dialogue with the then-rival camp led by ODM leader Raila Odinga, despite the fact that the country was tearing apart.
“A deal always has two people, never one… You all know what happened in 2017, when we were on the verge of returning to the 2007 situation. Those who live in Nairobi and other communities understand what I mean… We started hearing that a kiosk had been burned down there, that someone had been killed there…
“Unfortunately, my deputy and some other people did not want me to talk to Raila; they were asking me why I was talking to him, and I told them that it was because they are Kenyans and will not leave this country; do you want Kenyans to die in bloodshed?” What’s the harm in talking to them if it leads to peace and harmony? I told my deputy that while I disagree with you, I will embrace dialogue if it leads to peace. So I talked to Raila, we apologized for the many negative things we had said about each other, and we shook hands,” Kenyatta said.
Kenyatta emphasized the importance of peace, unity, and cohesion during this election season, and expressed regret that some politicians were running deceptive, divisive, and misleading campaigns.
“You’ve already started a rebellion, and you’re going around the country claiming you’ve been wronged.” A transaction occurs between two people. If I’m wrong, you’re wrong as well. “You have no right to seek leadership through lying, insults, and theft,” the President said, referring to his deputy.
Kenyatta reiterated his desire to leave behind a peaceful country, saying he is looking forward to his retirement and has no plans to stay in power past August 9th.
“I don’t want to stay in power, as they claim.” This is a difficult job; there is no sleep… This house is full of challenges, and ten years is enough for me. “I’m looking forward to August 9th,” the President said.
