Ruto calls for cohesion among Kenyans, applauds Handshake deal
Anthony Mwangi and Mercy Mwai
Deputy President William Ruto, who had over the time expressed reservations on the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) process, attended the launch of the report yesterday and delivered a reconciliatory speech calling for unity and cohesion among Kenyans.
Ruto, who sat calmly at the podium next to President Uhuru Kenyatta, has been a strong critic of the process including the Handshake, whose sincerity he has questioned and saw it as a way of fighting his presidential bid.
Yesterday, although he struck a calm demeanour, he was uneasy with the programme presented during the event which appeared to sideline leaders associated with him.
The differences between Ruto and Interior Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho was played in the open when the latter walked out of the holding room the moment the DP stepped in.
It was not clear if Ruto signalled Senate Majority Leader Kipchumba Murkomen and his National Assembly counterpart Aden Duale (pictured), who openly spoke about the line-up of speakers.
Ruto called for a process of building consensus that will address the problems facing Kenyans including unemployment.
The release of the document, Ruto said, would not only build the legacy of President Uhuru Kenyatta in uniting Kenyans but also go a long way in creating institutions that are bigger than politics.
On the Handshake, Ruto said: “The Handshake between you (Uhuru) and Raila is remarkable, you did not do this for yourselves but for the 47 million Kenyans.”
