Uhuru to Ruto: You Should Have Resigned and Let Me Appoint Someone Else

President Kenyatta has taken a swipe at Deputy President William Ruto, accusing him of absconding duty and inciting Kenyans against his administration.

Speaking on Sunday during Labor Day celebrations at Nyayo stadium in Nairobi, the president said Ruto should have resigned to pave the way for the appointment of a person who is ready to assist in solving the country’s problems.

He claimed that Ruto has resorted to hurling insults and blaming him for the high cost of living and the recent fuel crisis in the country.

“Instead of assisting me to find solutions to our problems, you are accusing me and inciting Kenyans in political rallies. Why don’t you leave your position so that I can get someone else to assist me?” Kenyatta posed.

The president noted that the high cost of living and the fuel shortage were as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which are beyond his control.

"Sio Wakenya walileta Covid, na wakati tumeanza kuangalia tutafanya namna gani ili tujiokoe, wengine wameanza vita ambayo hata sisi hatuelewi," he said.

“Mambo yamekuwa magumu sio tu kwa nchi yetu…Mamilioni ya watu dunia mzima walipoteza maisha yao na mamilioni wengine zaidi kupoteza kazi zao. Hiyo haikuwa kwa sababu ya Uhuru ama mtu mwengine.”

At the same time, Uhuru heaped praises on ODM leader Raila Odinga for agreeing to work with him in the interest of the country.

"Badala ya kuja kunisaidia wewe [Ruto] uko kwa soko na matusi, na unajiita kiongozi. Namshukuru yule mzee [Raila] ata kama alikua na mambo yake alikuja kunisaidia," he added.