President Uhuru to Mt Kenya Politicians: Being Loud Won't Make You Ruto's Deputy
President Kenyatta has taken a dig at politicians from the Mt Kenya region who are lobbying to be Deputy President William Ruto's running mate in the 2022 elections.
Addressing supporters during stopovers at Kenol, Witeithie and Githurai on his way back to State House after attending a funeral mass for the late Kenneth Matiba in Ihura Stadium in Murang'a on Thursday, a seemingly agitated Kenyatta said leaders should now focus on serving Kenyans.
He asked area politicians to stop engaging in 2022 succession politics, stating that Jubilee knows how it will play its campaigns when the time comes.
"And these leaders, I have to tell them. They think they are propping up themselves by always speaking about 2022. Let us work first. You think being the loudest will make you the Deputy President? You will be the last one," Uhuru said.
"Our focus right now is delivering development in this country and the country is united. We know that the elections will be in 2022 and we have our game plan."
Speaking earlier at Matiba's funeral mass, the President stressed on unity and dismissed critics of the handshake between him and opposition leader Raila Odinga.
"Even if we write how many agreements, change the Constitution today, tomorrow or the next day, if we are not focused on delivery we will achieve nothing," Uhuru said.
He defended the handshake, saying it was about unity and not 2022 succession plans as many would think.
"I wonder why people raise issues about 2022 when I meet with Raila. As Raila has said there will be elections in 2022, 2027 and up to 3000."
"I will continue walking with Raila. Those willing to go with us should join us and seek any clarification they want from us and not plot behind our backs."
"Let us leave these politics aside and focus on what matters most for Kenyans. With that we will have helped them realise their dream. Leadership does not come easy and is not an agreement on paper but having the vision towards a better Kenya," he said.