Kenya: I bitter feeling towards Uhuru Kenyatta, says Ruto

NAIROBI, Kenya - Kenya’s President-Elect Dr. William Ruto has said that he has no bitter feelings toward the incumbent President Uhuru Kenyatta for supporting his political rival Raila Odinga in the August General Elections.

He spoke during the unanimous decision by the Supreme Court judges that upheld his support of his win and that his government will respect Uhuru Kenyatta in retirement banishing any rumors to the contrary.

"We will give him the respect and dignity a former head of state deserves. we are honorable people; we are not petty and jealous. He has done a good job and he will have his place in the history of Kenya so nobody should peddle any falsehood ods or that we harbor anything against the President of Kenya," said Dr. Ruto.

The former Deputy President said that he will call Mr. Kenyatta whom he has not talked with for months to start the transition process.
Dr. Ruto "I will be putting a call to my good friend President Uhuru Kenyatta, I haven’t talked with him for months, but will do a call to him so that we have a conversation on the process of transition. I know he worked hard in his own way but the people of Kenya have made a decision. We have no issue with the democratic choice of any Kenyan ".

Ruto as the next 5th president is set to be sworn in on Tuesday next week, said that even though Mr. Kenyatta decided not to support him and backed former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, he holds no grudges as it was his democratic right.

"In 2013 when I chose to support Uhuru Kenyatta I did not give him conditions that he must support me, I made that very clear. I take no offense that he decided to choose and support someone else. We will remain, friends, as we have been in the context of where we are and we look forward to building on the foundation that is already there in the many issues that I worked on with him and be able to take Kenya to the next level."

The Kenya Kwanza leader also pointed out that he will reach out to Raila Odinga whom he described as his "worthy competitor" and discuss issues to do with how they will work together as the Executive and the opposition. In order to contextualize how we are going to work together for the people of Kenya. Those of us who will be working in the executive and Azimio team in the opposition.” Dr. Ruto alluded.

He however ruled out any "handshake" plans with Mr.. Odinga as his predecessor did.

“I will accord Mr. Odinga his respect when he decides to retire from active politics and also we will give him the respect he deserves as a Kenyan leader who has made a huge contribution to the democracy of our nation," said the President-Elect.

Dr. Ruto said that he will complete all the projects that are still pending and will start making calls to government officers to start planning on delivering on his promises.

"I will hit the ground running and ensure that all the promises I made to the people of Kenya are realized," Dr. William Ruro added.

GAROWE ONLINE