“He Was Reluctant!” – Ruto Reveals Failed Desperate Move On Uhuru Kenyatta
President William Ruto has revealed that he personally approached his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta at his Ichaweri home and later at his office in a bid to persuade him to support his efforts to develop a broader vision for Kenya.
Ruto said he reached out to Uhuru because he believed former leaders had a role to play in helping shape the country’s future and preparing the next generation of leaders.
Speaking to the media, the President said he asked Uhuru, as a former Head of State, to help forge a new national vision that could unite the country and be passed on to future generations.
“I went out of my way. I looked for him. I went and saw him first in Ichaweri. I also came and saw him in his office here,” he said.
“I talked to him to persuade him that, look, as a former head of state, the only one living now, please help us to forge a new vision for the country.”
According to Ruto, Uhuru was reluctant to take up the role and told him he was unsure whether he wanted to participate.
“He was reluctant, you know, and he said he wasn’t sure he wanted to do that,” Ruto said.
Ruto said his attempt to engage Uhuru was an effort to bring former national leaders together to work on a long-term vision for the country.
He recalled a conversation with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, whom he said was receptive to the proposal and agreed that former leaders should be involved.
“I told him, you see, we are now the elders, we are the leaders of this nation. Why don’t we work together, grow a bigger vision for Kenya that then we can hand over to the next generation of leaders?” Ruto said.
The President, however, said the effort did not yield the outcome he had hoped for, claiming Uhuru instead chose to remain active in opposition politics.
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Ruto said Uhuru had the option of taking on what he described as a statesman’s role but chose to remain involved in political activities.
“My predecessor had an option to become a statesman and rise above politics and, become a unifying factor in a country. But he chose to climb down and become an opposition leader,” he said.
On Sunday, Uhuru dismissed claims that he is interfering in Kenyan politics by backing opposition proxies, saying he has no interest in seeking any political position.
Uhuru said his past leadership was an opportunity given to him by Kenyans and that he is now content to leave the choice of the country’s next leaders to the electorate.
“If you want votes, ask Kenyans politely; they will give them to you or deny you. I asked them at first and I was denied, I came back again and they voted for me,” he said.
“People should not come out and say that whatever I’m saying, I am politicking. I have no interest in any position. I thank God for the years he has given me in leadership. I thank Kenyans for giving me that chance.”
“He Was Reluctant!” – Ruto Reveals Failed Desperate Move On Uhuru Kenyatta
