Ruto Mocks Uhuru & Extends Olive Branch to Raila

President Uhuru Kenyatta greets his deputy, William Ruto, at Uhuru Gardens during Madaraka Day celebrations on Wednesday, June 1, 2022
President Uhuru Kenyatta greets his deputy, William Ruto, at Uhuru Gardens during Madaraka Day celebrations on Wednesday, June 1, 2022
PSCU

President-elect William Ruto threw a light jibe at outgoing president Uhuru Kenyatta following the verdict of the Supreme Court that validated his August 9 win.

Speaking at his Karen residence on Monday, September 5, Ruto admitted that he had not spoken to Uhuru for months and that he was yet to congratulate him for his victory.

Ruto teased the head of state, stating that despite working hard for his opponent, Raila Odinga, he emerged victorious in the poll.

President-elect William Ruto and Mama Rachel Ruto at a past event.
President-elect William Ruto and Mama Rachel Ruto at a past event.
KBC

"I know he worked hard in his own way  but the people of Kenya made their decision. Remember, I did not give him any conditions to support me, we remain friends as we have been in the context of where we are.

"I have not talked to him in months but shortly I will be making a call to him so that we can have a conversation on the process of transition," the president-elect stated.

He reiterated that he would accord his former boss the due respect and privileges that the state grants retired presidents.

"We will respect our president in his retirement. We will give him the respect and dignity of a former head of state deserves. We are honourable people, we are not petty and we are not jealous," Ruto remarked.

The president-elect also extended an olive branch to Azimio leader Raila Odinga, calling him to work with him for the benefit of the country. However, he maintained that there would be no handshake in his government.

"I will also be putting in a call to competitors so that we can begin to contextualize on how we will work together for the people in Kenya .Those of us who will be in executive and those who will be in the opposition

"As I committed earlier, I believe in the law, not handshake stories. I believe to a government held to account by a responsible conversation," he stated.

Notably, he promised that Raila would also be honoured by his government in a special way, when he decides to take a break from politics.

"When my good friend Raila retires, we will also give him the respect he deserves as a Kenyan leader who has made huge contributions to the democracy of our country.

The fifth president-elect welcomed the decision by the Supreme Court to uphold his election. He noted that through their decision, he had vindicated IEBC Chairperson Wafula Chebukati.

"The court returned its verdict and I welcome it with tremendous humility. I thank the Judiciary, specifically the Supreme Court for staying strong and remaining the shining beacon of constitutionalism and the rule of law even in the most daunting of circumstances,"

"The return of a unanimous decision on all nine issues confirm the fidelity of the IEBC to the law and constitution. I commend the Commission for their noble achievement at regrettable cost to serve the people of Kenya by ensuring that their sovereign will is upheld," Ruto stated.

Chief Justice Martha Koome delivering the judgement of the presidential election petition at the Supreme Court on Monday, September 5, 2022
Chief Justice Martha Koome delivering the judgement of the presidential election petition at the Supreme Court on Monday, September 5, 2022
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The Judiciary