President-elect William Ruto has revealed that he spoke to the Azimio candidate Raila Odinga before he was declared the winner of the August 9 General Election.
Speaking during an interview at the Bomas of Kenya on Monday, August 15, Ruto stated that he made a phone call to Raila in the morning and had a discussion on how they would move the country forward.
"Maybe I should disclose that this morning I called my opponent, Raila Odinga and we agreed regardless of the outcome of the elections, we should have a conversation," Ruto stated.
"He had offered in his statement in Kasarani that he would be available for a handshake and I said that I will be available for us to have a cup of tea because there are areas we can agree on moving the country forward," he added.
He however reiterated his earlier stand that he did not believe in the handshake, citing the shortcomings he experienced in his government with President Uhuru Kenyatta.
"In the context of those of us who will be running the executive, I am sure my competitor and his team will take up their role as the opposition, so that we can see how we can move the country," the president-elect affirmed.
The outgoing Deputy President pointed out that he believed in a government that is clear of its mandate without any interference.
However, he noted that his government would be an inclusive one, and will serve all Kenyans regardless of their political leaning.
While admitting that he had not talked to President Uhuru, he reiterated that a meeting between them was inevitable.
"I am sure at some point this evening or tomorrow (Tuesday) we will have a conversation. I am the president-elect and there has to be a transition. In that transition there will be a conversation," Ruto affirmed.
While fielding questions, the outgoing DP assured the media that there was no blood between him and the Fourth Estate, insisting that he was pushing for fair coverage and not a personal vendetta.
In the run-up to the polls, Ruto's Kenya Kwanza camp went after the media for alleged bias.
He also condemned the chaos witnessed at the Bomas of Kenya, which he blamed on his opponents for attempting to roll back the strides made.
