Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta has taken a swipe at his estranged deputy William Ruto asking him to prepare for a political battle ahead of the August 9, General Election.
Speaking during the launch of the Annual Universal Healthcare Conference in Mombasa on Monday, February 7, the president said he rallied his deputy to shun the politicking but he failed to hear to the council.
“Sasa kipindi cha siasa kimefika na mtatusikia. Kuna wakati wa kazi na wakati wa siasa, sasa kila mtu ako na uhuru; wale ambao walitangulia na wale ambao tunaingia,
Loosely translated to “Now the time for politicking is here, you will hear from us. There is time to work and time to play politics; now everyone is free, those who started before and those of us who are joining the fray,” he told a gathering at the coastal town.
While downplaying the Tanga Tanga-allied group’s popularity, the head of state insisted that the presidential race is a marathon, not a sprint.
“This is a marathon. I don’t have a project, but I will see where to put my vote for someone I trust and if there is one or two people who will listen to me, I will put across my request),” he said.
President Kenyatta without mentioning names said he will move across the country to campaign for his preferred presidential candidate.
Speaking at the same event, Central Organization for Trade Union (COTU) Secretary-General Francis Atwoli further attacked the deputy president saying he will suffer a humiliating defeat come August 9.
The firebrand unionist made a poor ‘joke’ about the deputy president suggesting that Ruto will hang himself once the Presidential election results are announced come August 2022.
“Those who are close to William Ruto should cut down all the trees in Sugoi or else he will hang himself when the results are announced in August,” said Atwoli.
