DP Rigathi GachaguaAccording to Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, President William Ruto's remarkable effort to pardon his former employer and 'tormentor,' Uhuru Kenyatta, surprised many insiders.
Gachagua remarked during a National Prayer Breakfast on Wednesday that President Ruto's actions were counter to many people's expectations that he would exact vengeance on those who had opposed his presidential bid.
"Contrary to the expectations of many people who witnessed his persecution, the harassment and intimidation had expected him to go hammer and tongs for his tormentors." He startled everyone when he stated that he is a Christian and that the Bible teaches him that forgiveness is a calling from God. He opted to lead this country by giving leadership in forgiveness and matters of reconciliation," said Gachagua.
"His first appointment as President, which surprised everyone, was to a man who had made it difficult for him to rise to the presidency, but he was forgiving, and that was it."
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The DP also admitted that it was difficult for many in government to forgive people who had done maliciously against them and that President Ruto needed a lot of convincing and mentoring to get them to let go of their grudges.
"Many people would have expected by now that all those who stood in his way to leadership would be treated the same way his people were; arrested, taken to court, harassed by the KRA, but the president decided that we needed to reconcile this country," he added.
The Second in Command also recalled the "toxic affair" observed at the last Prayer Breakfast, where he said President Ruto was not permitted to sit at the same table as his boss.
DP Gachagua stated at the occasion, which had undertones of divisive politics, that Ruto's seat had been removed from Kenyatta's table by a lady on the protocol team.
DP Gachagua praised President Ruto's goodwill, saying the lady was pardoned and even promoted at work, which went against the wishes of many.
Mr Gachagua also mentioned another occasion when President Ruto astounded him with his kindness in the face of antagonism.
