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Uhuru: I have no regrets about my 10 years in office

Monday, August 8th, 2022 01:13 | By
Uhuru
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta makes his remarks during the opening of the Kenya-Portugal Business Forum. PHOTO/ PSCU.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has asked members of the Kikuyu community not to agree to be divided as the country goes to vote for his successor tomorrow.

In an address in the Kikuyu dialect yesterday on all the Gema vernacular radio and TV stations, the President said he has no regrets for decisions he has made during his tenure, including his handshake with Azimio-One Kenya presidential candidate Raila Odinga.

“If people say I erred by taking measures that brought peace after the 2017 elections, then I have no regrets,” said the President, adding that Kenyans will one day realise what he did was not in vain.

During the show, which was delayed for more than an hour and kicked off after 7pm instead of 6pm, the Head of State appealed to Kenyans to maintain the peace that prevailed during the campaigning period.

“I ask you to vote with your eyes wide open and do not be guided by propaganda. Do not let anyone mislead or divide you,” President Uhuru urged.

He also warned that firm action will be taken against anyone who may incite violence during or after the election. “Let no one dare to bring conflict among our people. They will be dealt with firmly.”

He also maintained that he will not be going anywhere after leaving office, but will only be changing his address.

“I am not going anywhere, I am only changing jobs. There are many things to be done,” he stated. Head of State at the same time said he was thankful to God that the campaigns were completed without any incidents of bloodletting or destruction of property.

Enumerating some of his achievements despite numerous challenges, Uhuru noted that he was able to build a road network of more kilometres than all the three previous governments combined and connect electricity to more than five million homes.

However, he said the abortion of the Building Bridges Initiative was one of the regrets he will live with after retiring because it was meant to right many wrongs that the populous regions have been subjected to by successive regimes, particularly the equitable sharing of resources.

Defending his move to extend an olive branch to Raila after the 2017 elections, the President likened this to 2013 when he mended fences with his Deputy William Ruto even though there was animosity between their two communities.

“I joined hands with Ruto despite our people having fought previously and beseeched members of my community to support me knowing many were against the idea,” he explained.

President Uhuru admitted that the second term of his tenure has not been easy.

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