I have forgiven those who wronged me, says President Uhuru Kenyatta

By Felix Olick

NAIROBI, KENYA: President Uhuru Kenyatta has revealed that many of his political adversaries did not expect him and his Deputy William Ruto to be in the country at this time.

In an apparent reference to the crimes against humanity charges facing them at The Hague, Uhuru said their presidential bid was considered far-fetched.

Addressing thousands of Kenyans who gathered at the Uhuru Park grounds during the national crusade led by German evangelist Reinhard Bonnke, Uhuru noted that their victory was the ‘hand of God’.

“Many did not expect we would get this far. Many did not even expect us in this country at this time. But God knows better than human beings,” Uhuru said.

Ruto’s remarks

Ruto was the first to make similar remarks when he said that even their close friends were pessimistic about their presidential bid ‘with the kind of baggage we have’.

“We want to thank God. Nobody, not even our close friends expected us near the leadership of this country with the kind of baggage we have,” noted the emotional Deputy Head of State. It was the first time the two leaders were speaking about the obstacles they faced in the race to State House since their inauguration into office.

The ICC question was a hot debate during the titanic presidential campaigns and even dominated discussions during the live presidential debates. Speaking yesterday, Uhuru asked those he had wronged to forgive him as he pledged to forgive those who had aggrieved him. The Head of State declared 2013 a year of reconciliation and new start for Kenya as the country marks 50 years of self-rule. “This is a year… to forget all the wrong things that have happened to us and unite in God.” I am not bitter with anybody. And if there is anybody I have wronged, I pray that he or she may forgive me. If there is anyone who has wronged me, I also forgive them,” he added.     Uhuru said the African continent is endowed with enough resources, which would benefit all with good leadership. The crusade that ends tomorrow and dubbed The Great Jubilee Crusade comes just days after Kenya celebrated 50 years of independence last Saturday.

Before elections, Prophet David Owuor led all the presidential candidates in repentance on the same grounds.