Deputy President William Ruto has said he is not in any competition with President Uhuru Kenyatta.
The DP said those competing with him are hiding behind the president instead of facing him (Ruto) directly.
“They (his competitors) do not want to compete with me directly. They are saying they are Handshake supporters and hiding behind the President,” Ruto said when he appeared on Citizen TV on Tuesday evening.
The DP further said despite their political differences, Uhuru is still his friend.
Uhuru has on many occasions hinted at supporting Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga for the 2022 presidential contest.
While presiding over the elevation of Nakuru as Kenya’s fourth city on December 1, 2021, Uhuru said Kenyans should take time before electing their leaders.
“Don’t be in a hurry to be president. Be calm, you will get there. Don’t be a lone ranger to the point of blaming everyone yet you don’t want to work with them,” Uhuru said in an apparent reference to his deputy.
Uhuru has also been criticising his deputy for engaging in early campaigns.
“I have nothing to hide; there are no votes I’m looking for. All I’m looking for is peace and unity for all Kenyans and that is what will help us to ensure all our problems, especially unemployment, is addressed.
“It is not yet time for politics but we will come to do politics when that time comes,” Uhuru said in Nakuru.
