Ruto to Uhuru: You Betrayed Me But I Will Protect Your Wealth and Interests If Elected

Deputy President William Ruto has promised to protect President Kenyatta’s wealth and interests should he ascend to power later this year.

Ruto, who is eyeing the presidency on a UDA party ticket, faulted Kenyatta for judging him wrongly as someone who cannot protect his interests once he retires.

He noted that even though President Kenyatta has betrayed him by backing his main rival Raila Odinga, the president remains his friend and will safeguard his legacy and that of his family if elected president in August.

“We been through many challenges together including facing the International Criminal Court (ICC) with him...We faced Mr Raila Odinga opposition together in 2002, 2013 and twice in 2017. I also consider myself to be his friend. It was a mistake to alienate me for Odinga," Ruto said while campaigning in Murang’a County.

He added: "My greatest shock was that, even if he felt I was not fit to succeed him, certainly by settling on Odinga who had so far given us all sorts of political problems was the epitome of fine betrayal.”

Ruto once again pleaded with President Kenyatta to allow him to compete fairly with Odinga, who is giving his fifth stab at the presidency under the Azimio La Umoja movement.

President Kenyatta endorsed Odinga, 77, as his preferred successor, saying he has the ability to unite the country, fight corruption, and continue making Kenya a respected nation across the world. 

While exuding confidence that he will win the upcoming presidential contest, Ruto said his administration will rescue the economy from “capture” and hand it over to Kenyans where every citizen will enjoy equal opportunity.

"My government will ensure that tenders can be bided for and won competitively, export and import licenses be liberalized and taxation brackets be commensurate with earnings. Above all, we will ensure indigenous companies are protected from unfair competition by multinationals," Ruto stated.