Forgive Me too, Deputy President William Ruto Pleads with Kenyans

Deputy President William Ruto has followed President Kenyatta's example by seeking forgiveness from Kenyans over any offensive words uttered during last year's hotly contested elections.

Addressing a joint Parliamentary sitting on Wednesday afternoon, President Uhuru pleaded with Kenyans to pardon him if he uttered or did anything hurtful during the campaigns.

“Since leadership is best done by example, not by extorting, let me do as I have asked you all to do today and say that if there’s anything I said last year that hurt or wounded you, if I damaged the unity of the country in any way, I ask you to forgive me and to join me in repairing that harm,” said President Kenyatta.

Taking to Twitter moments later, DP Ruto, who accompanied President Uhuru for the State of the Nation address in Parliament, also pleaded with Kenyans to forgive him for any offence he might have done.

“In keeping with His Excellency’s statement, l William Samoei Ruto unreservedly apologise to anyone offended or hurt in anyway by what I have said or done at any time. Find it in your heart to forgive me. I have forgiven all those who wronged me. Let’s embark on building the bridges of friendship and unity,” Ruto tweeted.

In his long speech, the Head of State preached peace and reconciliation, urging Kenyans and all leaders to join him in the unity call.

“We leaders have to admit that last year we failed in our duty to preserve the unity of this country and we must make amendments. First I pray that all of us will spend the days and weeks after this address repairing the bones that frayed last year. let us each apologise for our words, anger and malice that Kenya had,” said President Kenyatta as the House burst in applause.

“Let us shake hands and embrace our neighbours and let us celebrate the diversity that is God’s gift to us.”