Ruto Reacts After President Uhuru Endorses Raila for the Presidency

Deputy President William Ruto has reacted after President Kenyatta endorsed ODM leader Raila Odinga for the presidency. 

Ruto says he respects Kenyatta’s decision to back his main competitor in the 2022 presidential contest, but challenged Odinga to stop hiding behind the president. 

“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,” Ruto said during a tour of the Ukambani region.

He added: “However, Odinga should remember that I am not competing with Uhuru, I am competing with him, let him come out and face me.”

The deputy president also exuded confidence that he will trounce Odinga, who is giving his fifth stab at the presidency under the ‘Azimio La Umoja’ movement.

“And everyone should come up with their plan and agenda and let the people of Kenya decide who they want as their leader. Surely, do you think Odinga will defeat me? I am sure that early in the morning on the 9th of August, we will put him on a wheelbarrow and send him to his village in Bondo,” said Ruto.

Kenyatta declared support for Odinga during a meeting at Sagana State Lodge on Wednesday, where he urged the Mt. Kenya region to rally behind the ODM leader.

The president said Ruto was unfit to lead the country, adding that the deputy president would have to “reform” for him to consider supporting his presidential ambition in the future.

“I am asking you to support Raila as he means well for the country. When my young man [Ruto] reforms, we will consider him," Uhuru said.