This archive report was first published on 20 December 2019.
December 20, 2019, marked a significant day for Deputy President William Ruto as he addressed Jubilee leaders from Mt Kenya and Rift Valley. In a move to downplay reports of a rift with President Uhuru Kenyatta, Ruto emphasized their shared commitment to unity and transformation.
According to Ruto, he understands the president very well because they have come a long way together. He expressed his commitment to Kenya's change, stating, 'I understand him because I know where we have come from and where we are headed… I am sure that Kenya must change and I am committed to it, and I promise that it will change.'
The Jubilee leadership remains committed to its foundation principles of unity and transformation, as evident in Ruto's address. He further revealed that the alliance between him and Uhuru in the run-up to the 2013 elections was never about winning but about eliminating hatred and tribalism in Kenyan politics.
More than 90 lawmakers from Mt Kenya attended the meeting, along with elders drawn from the Kalenjin and Kikuyu communities. Ruto's push to succeed President Uhuru in 2022 is facing resistance from a faction of Jubilee Party, known as Kieleweke. However, Ruto remains focused on ensuring a peaceful country, stating, 'I don’t want Kenyans to fight because of me. I don’t want this country to take the route where people lose lives because of any politician. That is how serious I am.'
