Uhuru Kenyatta: Kenya’s future is safe in Raila Odinga's hands

President Uhuru Kenyatta addresses a group of youth at State House, Nairobi. [PSCU, Standard]

President Uhuru Kenyatta yesterday said that Kenya’s future was safe in the hands of ODM leader Raila Odinga.

Amid thunderous cheer of “Yote yawezekana bila Ruto” at State House in Nairobi where he hosted thousands of youth, Uhuru, who largely spoke in parables, said his assessment of other leaders eyeing the presidency left him with no doubt that Raila was the best suited to drive the country forward.

He described his preference of the ODM leader as “a truth” that Kenyans, and mostly the youth, need to hear.

He however said the choice of next president would be made by voters.

He challenged the youth to form caucuses of 5,000 in various regions and be ambassadors of the Azimio la Umoja movement, adding that he would officially hit the campaign trail next month.

Sources told Saturday Standard that the plan involves marshalling a 2.5 million-strong army of youth to drive the Azimio course. Those who attended the meeting described it as “the most emphatic endorsement of Raila as the president’s preferred successor.”

“Boss (Uhuru) has given us the direction. He has told us that he will fold his sleeves and hit the trail,” said Kieni MP Kanini Kega, who attended the meeting. Uhuru had no kind words for Deputy President William Ruto, whose past he said, was blemished.

Insiders said Uhuru singled out Ruto’s tenure as Minister for Agriculture, a period he said witnessed the worst scandals in the sector.

He also faulted his deputy for perennially keeping the country on an electioneering mood instead of working to deliver promises of the Jubilee government.

While selling Raila as the candidate of choice, Uhuru said the ODM leader’s age was not a weakness, but a factor that grants him the proper experience to run the country. 

The president defended his legacy, saying the country does not need a person who will scuttle the gains.

“A good plan badly executed is worse than a bad plan well executed,” the president said, expressing confidence that the Kenya Kwanza Alliance will be trounced in August.