I was ready to give up power in 2017 for the sake of peace, says president

President Uhuru Kenyatta when he addressed religious leaders from the Central Kenya region during a non-denominational worship and prayer service that he hosted today at State House Nairobi. [PSCU, Standard]

President Uhuru Kenyatta was ready to throw in the towel and retreat to his home in Ichaweri, Kiambu, after his win was nullified by the Supreme Court in 2017.

Yesterday, the president hosted more than 1,500 clerics at State House, where he admitted that he had considered surrendering the presidency, because he did not want more bloodshed.

Sources at the meeting told The Saturday Standard that Uhuru said it was true he nearly let go of power. The president explained he was ready to be slapped because if asked to choose between peace and power, he would choose peace.

He added that this was the same reason he had a handshake with ODM leader Raila Odinga, a man he had fought politically.

Reports of the president nearly surrendering featured last week when a conversation alleged to be between Deputy President William Ruto and some elders, was leaked.

In the leaked version, Ruto was heard saying that at one time, he was tempted to slap the President because he could not believe that his boss was ready to sacrifice all they had worked for. During an interview with KTN News on Thursday night, the Deputy President explained that the slap was figurative.

Ruto said he used figurative language to show his frustration when Uhuru indicated he was willing to give up after their win was nullified.

“I told him you are not going to do that. In fact, Kenyans now say it is better a friend who slaps you than an enemy who kisses you,” said Ruto.

The other cheek

And yesterday, Uhuru said he had heard of reports about how his deputy almost slapped him and remarked that he would have gladly given him the other cheek for the sake of peace.

The clergy arrived at State House at 9.30am and Uhuru joined them from 11am to about 1.30pm. He emphasized importance of peace and cohesion during this electioneering period, and regretted that some politicians were engaging in deceitful, divisive and misleading campaigns. The President said Kenyans have an opportunity to elect leaders with proven track record of championing for the interests of the nation all rather than those seeking leadership for personal gain.

“Despite the fact that we have never been on the same side politically with Martha (Karua), she is just and principled. It is better I follow someone who is principled. Who is just, truthful and led by the desire to serve people but not self,” the President said in reference to the Narc-Kenya leader and Azimio la Umoja’s presidential running-mate. He reiterated his desire to bequeath his successor a united, cohesive and peaceful country, saying he is looking forward to his retirement, and that he had no intention of remaining in power beyond August 9.

“I don’t want to remain in power as they allege. This is a difficult job, no sleep… this house is full of challenges and 10years for me is enough. I am waiting for August 9th,” the president said. He described Raila as a man who had matured politically and a gentleman who valued the country’s interest more. He said Raila would not burn this country and called on the clergy to tell their flock to vote wisely.

“You have already introduced rebellion and you are roaming across the country saying you have been wronged. A deal is between two people. If I am wrong you are also wrong. You have no right to seek leadership by lying, insults and theft,” the President said in reference to a politician he did not name.

In his sermon, Bishop Samuel Muya attributed some of the challenges facing the nation to failure by religious and spiritual leaders to observe God’s teachings.

“Our God is a God of order and is always against rebellion,” he said.

The President said the clergy had been fed on lies and propaganda and challenged them to go back to their followers and tell them the truth. He said he had been portrayed as a president who was laid back and wondered that if he was lazy as alleged by his critics, how would he have achieved 100 per cent transition rate for primary school children going to high school.

The religious leaders from Central Kenya committed to supporting the faithful to make right political choices and to continue preaching peace and unity. The spiritual leaders, drawn from the 21 counties that make up Central Kenya region, made the assurance during non-denominational worship and prayer service hosted the president. Uhuru thanked the religious leaders for their steadfast support, saying the progress achieved during his tenure was largely due to God’s providence. He advised Kenyans to exercise their constitutional right by electing genuine and progressive leaders.

“We are on a journey which will not end here. We have made a lot of progress in terms of development. We have built several roads. We have issued title deeds to many Kenyans, who are now proud owners of their parcels of land,” he said.

He added: “We have connected electricity to many homes. We launched a cash transfer programme to cushion the elderly and put up modern health facilities for Nairobi residents through NMS.”

The service was conducted by Archbishop Jotham Karanja from Nyandarua, while the sermon was delivered by Bishop Samuel Muya from Nakuru.

There will be follow up prayer sessions in Nyeri. Another session will later be held in Nakuru and a third prayer will be conducted in Meru. Uhuru, Raila and Karua will attend some sessions before August 9.

Additional reporting by PSCU