‘Tumetoka mbali’ – Ruto says as he rally’s behind Raila’s AUC bid
By Achieng' Mary, August 29, 2024President William Ruto has showered Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga with praises and voiced his support for his African Union Chairmanship (AUC) bid.
Addressing residents in Migori County, the president who is on a four-day tour in Nyanza shared that he decided to support Raila because of the respect he has for him and his contributions to the country’s democracy.
He also revealed that his decision to support his former arch-rival was because he was the most fit individual to lead the African continent.
“Si mnajua mimi na baba tumetoka mbali, nimeamua ya kwamba nitamsaidia Baba kwa sababu yeye ni mzee wetu na tunamsheshimu na pia amechangia demokrasia ya Kenya, pia nitamsaidia kwa sababu ni kiongozi ambaye anajulikana na ako na heshima, hivo basi awe kiongozi wetu wa bara la Africa. Mliona jana tulikua pale, sisi kama wakenya tumeungana na watu wa jumuia ya East Africa, kutoka Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, DRC, Somalia, sisi wote mpaka Sudan tumekubaliana baba awe mwenyekiti na kiongozi wa bara la Africa kama chairman wa Africa Union,” Ruto said.
The president spoke after launching a water project in the region. This is among the many other government projects he is set to launch in his development tour.
His remarks come as he basks in the joys of the newfound friendship with Raila weeks after he appointed a section of opposition members to his cabinet.
To cement their new friendship, Ruto launched Raila’s AUC campaign urging other African nations to support him he is the most capable steward.
He added that the assignment at AUC is a noble cause that seeks to bring freedom and democracy stability and security, peace and prosperity.
“The assignment we are called upon to undertake at the African Union Commission is the work of all Africans, for all Africans and a noble cause to bring our peoples and nations in touch with the promise of the glorious future we all deserve. A new chapter in our common journey has begun, and we shall travel on this road to freedom and democracy, stability and security, peace and prosperity, with all our people, all their leaders, governments and our partners throughout the world,” Ruto said.
“We take this assignment seriously and have entrusted it to a most capable steward.”