Deputy President William Ruto has responded after President Uhuru Kenyatta on Wednesday endorsed ODM leader Raila Odinga for the presidency.
Speaking in Kitui, on Thursday, the DP said that he respects the President’s decision to back the former Prime Minister.
Ruto noted that he is also aware of the fact that he is not competing with Uhuru for the country’s top job.
“I voted for Uhuru, I campaigned for him and Odinga has never voted or campaigned for President Kenyatta, but I am okay with his decision to support that one person that has never voted for him. However, Odinga should remember that I am not competing with Uhuru, I am competing with him, let him come out and face me,” he said.
The second in command’s remarks come a day after Uhuru officially endorsed Raila’s candidature, during a meeting dubbed Sagana III, held at the Sagana State Lodge on February 23.
While addressing delegates of the Mt Kenya region, Uhuru urged his community to back Raila’s bid saying he has the best interests for the country.
The President in an apparent reference to Deputy President William Ruto said he will have no problem supporting him in future if he reforms.
“I’m asking you to support Raila Odinga as he means well for the Country. When “my young man reforms”, we will consider him,” Uhuru said.
It was the first time President Uhuru was publicly telling his community that the ODM leader was his preferred successor.
The President has been hinting at backing the ODM leader without mentioning it directly.
At the Sagana III meeting, Uhuru was bold in saying that Raila was the best fit not only for the Mt Kenya region but Kenya ta large.
He stated that the ODM leader understands where the country is heading, and will therefore be at peace to hand to him the leadership mantle.
“The one I will handle the government, and you have mentioned him, I will leave him an economy of Sh13 trillion,” Uhuru stated.
