NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 23- What led to the fallout between President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Deputy William Ruto?
It remains a question whose answer might never be known.
The Wednesday’s meeting at the Sagana State Lodge in Nyeri County was hailed as the say it all for the President, but it turned out otherwise.
And while President Kenyatta endorsed former Prime Minister Raila Odinga as the most suitable person to succeed him, he did not explicitly say what led to his fallout with Ruto, as expected.
He however did not mince his words while politically attacking his Deputy, whom he accused of being behind a series of misfortunes in his administration, including alleged runaway corruption.
“Those who destroyed your livelihoods in tea and coffee are the ones who are telling you that you are hustlers,” he said.
He accused his Deputy of abandoning work and instead embarking on politics.
“Let me tell you a lot has been said and I always keep quiet. People have come here to tell you how they love you. I don’t know about that but soon, we will know,” he said.
The President, who was speaking using his Kikuyu dialect, said Kenyans should vote for the next President based “on truth and not lies.”
“A leader must always speak the truth to his people,” he said.
If elected, the President said Odinga would carry on with his legacy and also ensure there is peace.
The President challenged regional leaders allied to the Jubilee party to “talk to the youth,” saying they were being misled.
His Deputy enjoys massive support from the youthful population in the area.
“Do not fear the young people, talk to them since they are our children,” he said.
The President also criticized church leaders allegedly receiving stolen money from corrupt politicians, saying they “will go to hell.”
“Preachers who are lying to our people after receiving stolen money will go to hell,” the President asserted.
“Church leaders should stop lying to our people. Don’t lie to our people because you have been given money stolen from the public coffers. Such preachers will go to hell.”
He accused those allied to the Deputy President of being behind the economic meltdown, that has seen millions lose their livelihoods.
The rate of unemployment has also increased, but Uhuru had an accusing finger against those allied to his Deputy.
“Those who destroyed your livelihoods in tea and coffee are the ones who are telling you that you are hustlers,” he said.
His Deputy alongside Amani National Congress leader Musalia Mudavadi and Moses Wetangula of Ford Kenya were in the Ukambani region campaigning.
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