President William Ruto has explained why he is backing Azimio leader Raila Odinga for the African Union Commission chairperson job.
Raila has declared his bid for the continent's topmost job even as the government continues to assemble his campaign machine.
The president disclosed on Tuesday that he had made a deliberate decision to support Raila for the AUC job because he runs an inclusive government that has no losers.
Ruto reminded the people of the Nyanza region how he had in the past during his tour of Homa Bay County asked them to remain calm as he planned for Raila’s job.
Speaking at the Homa Bay Investment Conference held at Tom Mboya University grounds on Tuesday, President Ruto stressed the importance of unity in the country.
“I told you when I was speaking at the market near here but you didn’t believe me then….I remember telling you that we want to unite the country, we want to work together for the unity of Kenya.”
“I said I will plan and as you can see and let us pray.’’
President Ruto added that he wanted a win-win outcome for everyone, even those in the opposition who felt left out.
“There is room for all of us in Kenya, you don’t win by making others lose…those in opposition must mean well for Kenya, those in government must mean well for Kenya…there are no citizens who are in opposition…it is only these leaders who have a job in Parliament…all Kenyans are on the same side.”
President Ruto’s call for unity comes a day after he visited Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni on Monday, accompanied by Raila.
Raila said on Monday that they also discussed other issues related to the strengthening of East African integration.
"Several days ago, I accepted an invitation from President Kaguta Museveni of Uganda for a joint meeting with President William Ruto today to discuss the deepening of regional integration within the East African Community.
"Crucially, at the urging of President Museveni, we also discussed my candidacy for Chairperson of the African Union Commission. I am very grateful to President Museveni for strongly endorsing my candidacy and to President Ruto for fully backing it," Raila said on X.