I am no coward, Uhuru tells political detractors

President Uhuru Kenyatta yesterday told off those who have been criticising his involvement in succession politics.

Speaking in Murang’a County yesterday, Uhuru whose bromance with ODM leader Raila Odinga has rubbed some local leaders the wrong way, said he was driven by a desire to leave a united country.

“Those thinking that they will scare me from getting involved in this matters will be surprised how determined I am on my vision,” added President Kenyatta.

“In any case, I have never been a political coward.”

Mr Kenyatta said the insults and dishonesty demonstrated by a few leaders would not stop him.

Speaking during the consecration of AIPCA Holy Oil at Gakarara Church in Kandara, the president said some of his critics have been part of the peace prevailing in the country.

He appeared to be addressing politicians allied to Deputy President William Ruto who have regularly asked him to step aside and let their man compete with Mr Odinga.

“I will not shy away from initiating peace in the country. We have seen what peace and mediation strategies can do. The AIPCA leadership Archbishops Julius Njoroge, Fredrick Wang’ombe and Samson Muthuri employed the same to unite their followers,” said the Head of State.

The president said he initiated a mediation process to support the agenda of the church in honour of the war veterans who suffered discrimination.

Wangombe said the church would not allow those with vested interests to cause chaos.

The handshake demonstrated by the three church leaders should be extended to others as part of supporting nationalism, he said.

During the function, Njoroge, Wang’ombe and Muthuri regretted the wrangles that have rocked the church for the past 17 years

“I am happy that all the three leaders are reading from the same script. We have opened a new chapter,” said Muthuri.

Wangombe in his preaching said the church was committed to marching forward.

“Even Jesus Christ faced a similar fate as the one you are in but eventually overcame,” said  Wang’ombe.

The mediation committee was led by retired Bishops Arthur Kitonga and Peter Njenga, and was coordinated by an administrator, Mr Arthur Osia.