Uhuru Kenyatta says many thought he will not heed ICC summons
What you need to know:
- He said his government would work to fulfill pledges made to Kenyans.
- He said the country was moving forward and urged Kenyans to concentrate on building the nation.
- Mr Ruto’s authority as acting President had expired earlier Wednesday evening.
President Uhuru Kenyatta on Thursday said Kenya was not at trial at The Hague and that government business will always continue, even in his absence.
In a veiled attack on his summons to appear before the International Criminal Court (ICC), President Kenyatta said he honoured the judges’ ruling contrary to the expectations of many.
Speaking in Swahili while addressing Kenyans on Outer Ring Road, he said there were those who thought he would refuse to go to The Hague.
“Walifikiria wataniita huko nikatae kuenda, sisi tunawaambia ya kwamba kuenda tutaenda lakini kama mnafikiria nchi ya Kenya ndio inaenda huko, nchi ya Kenya imebaki na kiongozi William Ruto kule Nyumbani.” (There are those who thought I would not go, but I will heed summons as it is not Kenya that's on trial, and the country will be under the leadership of William Ruto.)
He added: “Haya mambo ya kutupeleka huko kukaa huko na hakuna kitu unasema." (Asking me to go and I just sit silent all the time.)
President Uhuru Kenyatta addressing Kenyans at City Cabanas on Mombasa Road after arriving from The Hague. PHOTO | AGGREY MUTAMBO |
President Kenyatta said those interested in helping Kenya should assist in building roads and schools and create employment opportunities for the youth.
President Uhuru Kenyatta on Thursday assured Kenyans of the government’s stability and urged them to focus on development.
He was speaking as he left Jomo Kenyatta International Airport soon after arriving from the International Criminal Court in The Hague.
SHUN TRIBALISM
Addressing hundreds of supporters who turned up to receive him at JKIA, the President said the Jubilee government was united and was committed to serving Kenyans.
He said his government would work to fulfill pledges made to Kenyans in its manifesto.
He said the country was moving forward and urged Kenyans to concentrate on building the nation.
Addressing Kenyans at City Cabanas on Mombasa Road, President Kenyatta said Jubilee was united, as demonstrated by his naminf of his deputy, William Ruto, as acting President.
“We know our problems, we know where we have come from and know where we want to go. As Jubilee we have the capacity to learn from our mistakes and do much better for this country,” he said.
President Uhuru Kenyatta is received by leaders at JKIA after his arrival from The Hague on October 9, 2014. PHOTO | PSCU
He said Kenya would soon be a prosperous country and asked Kenyans to shun tribalism.
The Head of State left the presidential pavilion at JKIA at around 8.30 am and was expected to go through Outer Ring and Jogoo roads on his way to his Harambee House office.
On arrival at JKIA, President Kenyatta, who was accompanied by First Lady Margaret Kenyatta, was received by Deputy President William Ruto and later inspected a guard of honour.
Earlier Wednesday, a communication from the Presidential Strategic Communications Unit (PSCU) indicated that Mr Ruto’s authority as acting President had expired.
"The instrument that conveyed Presidential Authority to the Deputy President has expired tonight (as of 6pm),” said the statement.
