Deputy President William Ruto’s assurances to his boss, President Uhuru Kenyatta, thrilled the Mashujaa Day attendees at Wang’uru Stadium, Kirinyaga.
Ruto, on Wednesday, October 20, promised to safeguard Uhuru’s legacy after the Head of State retires in 2022. The DP praised Uhuru as a transformational leader whose reputation and development agenda would guide his successors.
“I assure you that as your deputy for nine years, your legacy and agenda and transformation of our nation together with the bottom-up approach will drive this country,” Ruto stated as the crowd cheered on.
Uhuru, who favours a trickle-down economic model rather than Ruto’s bottom-up approach, was also spotted laughing at the DP’s thinly veiled attack.
The DP further claimed to speak on behalf of all opposition leaders who had attended the meeting, when he assured Uhuru that they would work in unison and champion for peace and posterity.
“I want to give you the assurance that we will build on your legacy and ensure that the agendas you leave behind are not left uncompleted.
“We will work together as a people in a peaceful manner, respecting everyone’s rights and being tolerant with each other. Your legacy as a transformational leader will set standards for leaders who will come after you. Today, we celebrate you as our leader your Excellency,” Ruto added.
He also celebrated Kenyans who sacrificed for the country, police officers and the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), who provide security and protect the borders respectively, and citizens who lawfully pay taxes.
“We celebrate all people who paid a huge price for the nation we have today,” he stated adding that he could not forget to mention Kirinyaga residents who hosted them for the celebrations.
He, as well, recognised area governor Anne Waiguru's efforts to transform and develop the county.
The DP while arriving at the stadium in the morning, shared a light moment with ODM leader Raila Odinga. The two shook hands for nearly a minute, after being embroiled in a public war of words at rallies held across the country in the past weeks.
Uhuru was also spotted laughing and chatting with Ruto prior to the DP’s speech.
