The bitter rivalry between President-elect William Ruto and his outgoing predecessor continue to feature prominently ahead of next week handover ceremony at Kasarani International Complex.
Yesterday, during an interview with CNN’s presenter Christian Amanpour, Ruto said President Kenyatta has not congratulated him is because “he’s a bit disillusioned or maybe he’s unhappy that he defeated his preferred candidate” Raila Odinga.
Ruto whose victory was unsuccessfully challenged at the Supreme Court said it was unfortunate his boss had not congratulated him.
“Unfortunately, President Kenyatta has not seen it fit to congratulate me. Maybe he’s a bit disillusioned, or maybe he’s unhappy that I defeated his candidate, but that is the nature of politics,” he told the United States-based broadcaster.
The interview with CNN came in the backdrop of Ruto announcing on social media that he had conversed with Uhuru on the phone about transition and the just-concluded election.
“I had a telephone conversation with my boss, President Uhuru Kenyatta. We discussed the just concluded general election and the transition as envisaged by our democratic tradition and practice,” Ruto said.
In the 13-minute long interview on Amanpour, Ruto reiterated that his administration will be democratic and at the service of all Kenyans.
Preparations are underway for the Tuesday, September 13, swearing in ceremony of Ruto as the fifth President of Kenya.
In the just concluded general elections Ruto garnered 50.49 per cent of the votes cast with his political nemesis and closest challenger Raila Odinga of Azimio coalition got 48.85 per cent.