Forget presidency, Gitari tells Uhuru

By George Olwenya and Kepher Otieno

Retired Anglican Archbishop David Gitari has called on Uhuru Kenyatta to relinquish his Deputy Prime Minister’s post and forget about the presidency.

Gitari told Uhuru and Eldoret North MP William Ruto to accept the reality that they will not be in the presidential race as long as they stand indicted by the International Criminal Court.

"Let us not cheat ourselves, Uhuru will have to relinquish the Deputy Prime Minister’s post," he said.

He maintained that there were other leaders from Central Province who can take over Uhuru’s portfolio.

"How can you resign as the Minister for Finance and remain the Deputy Prime Minister," he posed.

People of integrity

Gitari at the same time differed with politicians calling for Uhuru and Ruto to be allowed to vie for presidency, saying that they will have to be cleared by the courts first.

The retired prelate called on Kenyans to ensure that only people of integrity are entrusted with leadership.

Speaking at Bondo University College grounds where he was the chief guest during the 18th anniversary of the doyen of opposition politics Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Gitari said selfishness and tribalism must not be allowed in the management of public affairs.

He said the next crop of leaders, from County Assembly representatives to the presidency, must be people of integrity, God fearing and not corrupt.

Gitari supported Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s quest for presidency, saying he had the qualities of a good leader.

"There are leaders who have been tested and found to be fit to lead," he said.

Those present included Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi, Cabinet ministers James Orengo and Dr Paul Otuoma, MPs Alfred Khangati, Jakoyo Midiwo, Edwin Yinda, Nicholas Gumbo, Oburu Oginga and Ayiecho Olweny.

Meanwhile, Bumula MP Bifwoli Wakoli argues that Chapter six of the new Constitution will not allow any Kenyan involved in a criminal case to vie for any elective seat.

"You can be popular but the Constitution bars you from contesting and I could be unpopular but clean. Don’t be surprised that the man talking to you this afternoon could be your next president," he said.

He made the remarks at the weekend at Maridadi village in Kwanza, Trans Nzoia County, during the burial of the mother-in-law to the Minister for Forestry, Dr Noah Wekesa.

-Additional reporting by Osinde Obare