Naona umelegeza kamba sasa, asante rais – Ruto to Uhuru
Kenya Kwanza presidential candidate William Ruto has praised President Uhuru Kenyatta over his recent promise that he will hand over power peacefully to whoever is elected president in the forthcoming August 9 polls.
Speaking at a rally in Eldoret on Monday, August 1, 2022, Ruto said peaceful transition of power is a central tenet of democracy.
"Alikua zamani anasema ati hawezi hand over kwa William Ruto lakini jana niliona amelegeza kamba. Amesema ata hand over kwa yule ameshinda. Hapo ni kidole bwana rahisi. Hand over kwa yule wakenya wameamua. Hapo sasa umesimama malia pazuri pa demokrasia," Ruto said.
Loosely translated, "He (Uhuru) has been saying that he will not hand over power to William Ruto but yesterday he softened his stance and said he will hand over to whoever wins the presidential poll. Thumbs up Mr President. Hand over power to whoever Kenyans elect. That's is what democracy is all about."
Ruto expressed confidence that he will beat Azimio One Kenya coalition presidential candidate Raila Odinga, the president's preferred successor.
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party leader asked the Head of State to be ready to retire with the Azimio leader.
Yesterday, Uhuru said he is ready to retire and hand over power to whoever Kenyans elect next week.
While responding to Ruto's claims on Uhuru using state machinery and threats to manage his own succession, the President noted that he was looking forward to his retirement and he doesn’t intend to do any ill in his final days as the Head of State.
“Everyone, including myself, has the right to campaign for whoever they want. There is no reason for insults and If I answer you because you have lied. There is no reason to tell people I want to kill you," he said.
Uhuru lashes out at Ruto
Uhuru added that he has persevered insults and humiliation from DP Ruto and his allies and it was useless for him to take action with limited time in office.
“You have insulted me for close three years, has anyone touched you? I was in office for those three years and did I not have the capability? Now that I want to hand over the government and I have limited powers, do you think I have time to look for you?” He posed.
