President Uhuru Kenyatta on Friday, July 8, 2022, revealed that he rooted for Narc-Kenya party leader, Martha Karua, to be Azimio La Umoja's presidential running-mate as she is unselfish and trustworthy.
Speaking to church leaders at State House, Uhuru lauded Karua as a leader who could be trusted to put the interests of the nation first.
The President seemingly threw thinly-veiled jibes at Kenya Kwanza's running mate Rigathi Gachagua who is embroiled in graft cases. Uhuru reiterated that he was in awe of Karua's personality despite their differences in the past.
In his address, he highlighted his respect for her ideologies and unwavering stance when it comes to public service, underlining that she is a reputable leader.
“Despite the fact that we have never been on the same side politically with Martha, she is just and principled.
"It is better I follow someone who is principled who is just, truthful and led by the desire to serve people but not self,” the President stated in reference to Karua.
The head of state emphasized the importance of peace, unity and cohesion during this electioneering period, and regretted that some politicians were engaging in deceitful, divisive and misleading campaigns.
He also hit out at Deputy President William Ruto who recently alleged that he (Uhuru) abandoned him after the two campaigned vigorously to win the 2013 and 2017 General Elections. Ruto claimed that he made Uhuru president.
“You have already rebellious yet roaming across the country saying you have been wronged. A deal is between two people.
"If I am wrong you are also wrong. You have no right to seek leadership by lying, insulting and stealing,” the President stated, deviating from mentioning the DP's name.
He also urged Kenyans to exercise their constitutional right by electing genuine and progressive leaders whose motivation is to build a strong and united nation.
His sentiments came barely a day after DP Ruto lamented that his opponents had resorted to recording him in private - citing a leaked audio where he was captured narrating how he nearly slapped his boss in the build up to the 2017 Repeat General Election.
The DP, however, defended the contents of the audio - stating he had every right to push Uhuru not to relinquish power.
In an interview with KTN News on Thursday, July 8, the DP claimed that he extended an olive branch to Uhuru who blatantly rejected a truce despite the intervention of religious leaders.
"Bishops talk to me. They talk to the President too. When they came to me, I told them I want to have a chat with my boss. He flatly refused," Ruto stated.
